U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced the Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act of 2024 in Cicero on Friday, aiming to address the significant child care challenges faced by law enforcement families. The bill, which enjoys bipartisan support, proposes a $24 million annual federal grant pilot program over the next five fiscal years to fund child care services specifically for law enforcement officers.
The initiative was inspired by a report from the International Association of Chiefs of Police, which identified child care as a primary concern among police personnel balancing demanding job schedules with family life. “The long hours, non-traditional work schedules, and unexpected overtime take an enormous toll on our officers and our families,” Gillibrand stated, highlighting the need for reliable child care solutions for officers.
If approved, the legislation will enable police departments to either establish their own child care facilities or partner with local providers. Chief Bob Pitman of the Homer Police Department and president of the Central New York Chiefs of Police Association emphasized the importance of the initiative: “Knowing that our children are safe while we’re on duty is big for us.” The bill also includes provisions to support child care providers with technical assistance, addressing industry challenges.
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