WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) continued her legislative work to increase access to care. Congresswoman Williams reintroduced the Care is an Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Act. Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-1) is co-leading re-introduction of the CEDS Act. This bipartisan legislation would require Economic Development Districts to show in their Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies how they will increase access to care-based services, including child care. Congresswoman Williams introduced the CEDS Act with the late Congressman Don Young (AK-AL) in the 117th Congress and led House passage of her legislation. 

Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) said: 

“COVID-era child care funding expires at the end of September, jeopardizing 10 million child care slots across the country. It doesn’t have to be this way. Families need a strong care economy because access to care makes every aspect of our lives possible. I lived this, quitting my job as a Fulton County educator to care for my mama as she battled Stage IV Colon Cancer. With the CEDS Act, families can count on their communities to plan for access to care for everyone–no matter their ZIP Code, no matter their bank account.”   

Representative Nancy Mace (SC-1) said: 

“As we strive for stronger public works and economic development, it is crucial we prioritize the well-being of our families and communities. This bill emphasizes the importance of affordable and quality child care. By requiring grant applicants to outline their strategies for increasing accessibility to such vital services, we are ensuring our workforce can thrive and our children can receive the care they deserve. We can build a brighter future which supports both economic growth and the needs of our families.”

The CEDS Act is endorsed by several organizations including: First Five Year Fund, First Focus Campaign for Children, Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS), National Domestic Workers Alliance, Care in Action, and Save the Children Action Network.

Mindy Binderman, Executive Director, Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS) said: 

“Without question, child care is crucial to many families’ economic security and to children’s long-term success. Child care is also an integral pillar supporting economic development in communities across Georgia and the nation. Nearly 4 in 5 of likely Georgia voters agree that expanding access to high-quality child care gives parents the opportunity to participate in the workforce, which is good for Georgia’s economy, according to a 2022 poll commissioned by GEEARS.”

Sarah Rittling, Executive Director, First Five Year Fund (FFYF) said: 

“When parents don’t have access to affordable, quality child care they can’t go to work. And when kids don’t have access to child care, they miss critical opportunities that help them learn and grow. We are grateful to Congresswomen Williams and Mace for their bipartisan work to identify ways to help make it easier for families to get high-quality care for their children, and look forward to working with them to get this bill across the finish line!”

Click here to read the text of the CEDS Act. 

CONTACT: PressGA05@mail.house.gov 

Congresswoman Nikema Williams proudly serves Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District on the exclusive Financial Services Committee. She is a champion of voting rights and builds on the Fifth District’s legacy as the cradle of the civil rights movement as co-chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus. Congresswoman Williams is committed to closing the racial wealth gap and ensuring the promise of America for all–regardless of your ZIP code or bank account.

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