Congresswoman Nikema Williams Secures House Passage of her Legislation to Increase Access to Care
Press Release
Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) secured House passage of her legislation, the Care is an Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Act. Congresswoman Williams introduced the CEDS Act in October with the late Congressman Don Young (AK-AL), who passed away on March 18. The CEDS Act will require Economic Development Districts to show in their Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies how they will increase access to care-based services, including childcare. This is Congresswoman Williams' second standalone bill to pass through the House in the last two months.
Congresswoman Williams said:
"Care should be part of every economic development discussion because without access to care, no industry can function. When I was pregnant, I was on a waitlist for affordable, high-quality childcare so I could return to work. And I've heard from parents who said without care they wouldn't be able to work, and their family would starve. It shouldn't be this way. The same quality of care I secured for my Carter cakes should be accessible for every family, and I'm clear-eyed in my mission to make that a reality. I thank my House colleagues for passing the CEDS Act and taking an important step toward Building a Better America for everyone, no matter their ZIP Code, no matter their bank account."
Congressman Young said when introducing the CEDS Act:
"Supporting Alaska's working families has always been one of my highest priorities in Congress. One of the best ways to support families is to expand access to quality childcare. For many parents, particularly women, a lack of childcare reduces workforce participation and stifles upward economic mobility. I am proud to join my colleague, Congresswoman Nikema Williams, as we introduce the Care is an Economic Development Strategy Act. This is a crucial bill to help ensure the needed expansion of childcare in Alaska and across our nation. I will continue working alongside parents, employers, and childcare advocates to secure an economy that helps working parents thrive."
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