Media Contact:
Gina Davis, [email protected], 202-864-2934
Morgan Brill, [email protected], 845-596-5328
WASHINGTON – ZERO TO THREE, a national nonprofit dedicated to ensuring all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life, released the following statement from Melissa Boteach, chief policy officer, in response to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ decision to freeze child care, family support and social services funding in at least five states based on unsubstantiated claims of fraud:
“Babies are not Republicans or Democrats. They don’t know whether they live in a ‘red state’ or a ‘blue state,’ but they will know if their families lose child care, can’t pay the heating bill or are pushed closer to eviction.
“Any effort to restrict, delay or interfere with critical funding for young children and their families has real and immediate consequences. These programs help parents afford food, housing and child care. This freeze will affect all families, including those who don’t receive subsidized child care, because care providers may be forced to scale back or even close down.
“Babies will feel the stress when their parents can’t pay the bills and can’t work. These programs are lifelines that keep babies fed and cared for, and they are essential for healthy brain and body development during the most critical years of life.
“Freezing federal funding based on unproven allegations does nothing to address fraud. Alleged fraud should always be addressed directly and with precision. Fortunately, states already have tools in place, including strict oversight, regular investigations and experts who pursue leads based on evidence, rather than relying on unverified online videos.
“Babies should not be pawns in political fights. We urge the administration to immediately reverse this funding freeze and invest in our nation’s babies and their families.”
