Little Apple Times

U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), and Jim Baird (IN-04) have introduced the Expanding Childcare in Rural America (ECRA) Act. The bill aims to reduce childcare costs and improve its availability and quality in agricultural and rural communities.

Rep. Mann stated, “Sadly, many Kansas parents in rural parts of our state who are trying to both raise a family and continue their careers are faced with a lack of accessible and affordable childcare options. Our bill shrinks the childcare desert in rural communities and ensures parents who want to work can do so while having resources to care for their children. This is a common sense, pro-family piece of legislation that rural America needs and I’m proud to support it.”

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez added, “Young families in rural communities like mine are strapped for options when it comes to finding childcare and have to drive for hours before and after work to drop their kids off and pick them up. Where you live shouldn’t dictate whether or not your kid has a place to spend the day while you’re on the job, and our bipartisan bill would make it easier for working families in all of our communities to get the affordable childcare they need.”

Rep. Underwood said, “Whether you live in a rural community, the suburbs, or a busy city, every mom and dad in America should have access to quality, affordable childcare while they’re at work. The Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act will help families stay in the workforce, grow our local economy, and make sure that every child in Illinois gets the care that they deserve.”

Congressman Baird commented, “As a father and grandfather, having children is one of the most important and fulfilling responsibilities in the world. However, families across Rural America have faced a staggering lack of access to childcare options as they work hard every day to feed and clothe our nation. I am proud to join my colleagues on this bipartisan legislation to improve Americans’ access to quality childcare options for their children.”

The ECRA Act would direct U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development programs—including Community Facilities Program loans and grants, Business & Industry Loan Guarantee Program support for eligible businesses, Rural Business Development Grants for small business expansion, Rural Innovation Strong Economy Grants for job creation efforts, Microentrepreneur Assistance loans for startups, as well as technical assistance grants—to prioritize projects addressing rural childcare challenges.

Tracey Mann has represented Kansas’s 1st District since 2021 after replacing Roger Marshall. He was born in Quinter, Kansas in 1976 and currently lives in Salina. Mann graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2000.