Benjamin Gilman: “I support H. Con. Res. 202, legislation designed to ensure that parents who choose to stay home and provide child care…”

“I support H. Con. Res. 202, legislation designed to ensure that parents who choose to stay home and provide child care are not excluded from any future child care tax credits. Our children are our most important resource for the future. Studies show that quality child care from a loving and interactive caregiver is imperative to the growth and emotional development of infants and young children. Parents are the most significant influence on their children. They are often the best caregivers, combining love and attention in the comfort of the child's home. Parents who choose to stay at home and care for their children often sacrifice a much needed second full time income. The average income of two parent families with a single income is $20,000 less than the average income of two parent families with two incomes. At least 70 percent of preschool children are in families that do not pay for child care and many of these families are struggling to make ends meet. These families should not be discriminated against for their decision to put their children first. Any congressional proposal that increase child care funding should also provide financial relief to families that choose in order that a parent stay home and care for their young child. Therefore I support H. Con. Res. 202, a resolution that will protect a families' choice to have one parent stay at home and care for a small child. I urge my colleagues to join in support of H. Con. Res. 202.”