On June 11, more than 60 dads and their allies came to the Wisconsin State Capitol to demand bold investment in child care. Many more have taken to social media to share their struggles as well.
Dads Care for Child Care proved what we already knew: dads across Wisconsin care about giving their kids a great start in life, and that begins with quality child care.
It was a resounding success! We had the Capitol Hearing Room packed with concerned dads, grandpas, kids, and other supporters wearing locally printed “Dads Care for Child Care” t-shirts.
“Early investment in children pays off in every sector of our society.”
– Peng Her [CEO of the Hmong Institute]
“Politicians think they are elected to tell us what to do. Not so. They are elected to do what WE tell them to do.”
– Evan Dannells [local restaurant owner and chef]
We had nine official sponsors–BCDI Milwaukee, The Hmong Institute, Motherhood for Good, Main Street Alliance, Milwaukee Succeeds, One City Schools, Thriving Wisconsin, WI Alliance for Infant Mental Health, and the WI Public Education Network.
“Zero to five is the most important age for child development.”
– Representative Alex Joers, Assembly District 81
We are planning actions to continue this forward momentum, including a webinar, supporting the development of a WI legislative “Dad’s Caucus”, and connecting to other state and national “Dads” organizations.
If you haven’t yet, contact the state’s Joint Finance Committee here and demand that they invest in child care infrastructure.
