**Watch the discussion here**

Hopkinton, NH - Today, Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02) held a virtual roundtable with child care and early education providers as well as state officials from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to discuss the impact of COVID-19 and recent legislation passed by the House to support child care providers. 

“Child care is essential for millions of American families, and I am grateful for the opportunity to hear from local Granite State child care leaders and advocates,” said Rep. Kuster. “The COVID-19 pandemic has put immense pressure on our nation’s child care providers, and many could be forced to close in the wake of this health and economic crisis. I was proud to support comprehensive legislation to assist caregivers and child care providers in offering safe environments for children during this ongoing health emergency. I look forward to sharing the insights I heard today with my colleagues as we continue our efforts to support working parents and help families safely navigate their work and family life.”

“Early Learning NH is grateful to Congresswoman Kuster for hosting this important discussion on child care with New Hampshire child care providers, leaders and advocates to discuss concerns and solutions,” said Jackie Cowell, Executive Director of Early Learning NH. “Today, more than ever, child care is essential to keep New Hampshire's working families working and to bolster our economy.”

During the discussion, Kuster heard from:

• Mary Jane Wallner, State Representative for Concord
• Jackie Cowell, Executive Director of Early Learning NH 
• Jane Marquis, Child Care Coordinator at the Nashua Adult Learning Center
• Phoebe Backler, Tillotson Program, NH Charitable Foundation
• Christina D’Allesandro, NH State Lead, Moms Rising 
• Christina LaChance, Council for Thriving Children, UNH
• Marti Ilg, Deputy Director of the Division of Economic & Housing Stability, NH DHHS
• Christine Santaniello, Director of the Division of Economic & Housing Stability, NH DHHS
• Marianne Barter, Executive Director of Merrimack Valley Child Care

Kuster recently voted in favor of the Child Care is Essential Act, which provides a historic $50 billion in funding to keep child care providers open through the COVID-19 pandemic and help needy families keep their children enrolled in these programs. Kuster also supported the Child Care for Economic Recovery Act, which enhances the refundable child and dependent care tax credit to help working families afford child care. The House of Representatives passed both bills last month. 

Watch the discussion here. 

###