FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2026
Contact: eme@stateinnovation.org
Washington, DC – As the Trump administration moves to freeze or delay vital federal child care funding, State Innovation Exchange (SiX), the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), and the Child Care for Every Family Network are leading more than 200 state lawmakers across all 50 states in demanding immediate congressional intervention to halt the administration’s attacks on child care.
“As state policymakers from across the country, many of whom are parents and/or former early educators, we are horrified by the administration’s freezing of child care, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) funds in five states and its unjustified implementation of so-called ‘Defend the Spend’ measures making it harder for all 50 states to access child care funds,” the state lawmakers wrote in a letter to members of Congress.
Read the full letter here.
The letter comes amid escalating tensions between civilians and law enforcement in Minnesota’s major cities, sparked in part by unfounded allegations of fraud amplified by the administration about certain child care programs.
“The administration elevated a single YouTube provocateur with a track record of disinformation over state investigators, auditors, and licensing professionals and then acted on that misinformation by freezing federal funds without evidence, due process, or a new investigation,” the state lawmakers wrote.
The letter also raises serious concerns about reports of so-called fraud investigations that vigilante activists are attempting to conduct in several states, which are represented by lawmakers who signed the letter.
“Children’s safety is being undermined by the reckless politicization of child care and the replacement of professional oversight with armed agents using intimidation and force,” the state lawmakers wrote. “The administration’s actions must be investigated and stopped because they are part of a deliberate, politically-motivated campaign to spread disinformation rather than serious or responsible oversight.”
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