Child Care Wins Big on Election Day: Child Care Champs Retain Strong Majority in Vermont House and Senate

Statement from Emilie Tenenbaum, executive director of Let’s Grow Kids Action Network, on the 2026 election and what it means for child care in Vermont:

“This was a really positive election for child care in Vermont. On Tuesday, more than 110 endorsed child care champions from across the political spectrum were elected to statewide and legislative offices. With these results, child care champions retain a strong majority in the Vermont House and Senate.

“Through public investment from Act 76, Vermont’s landmark child care law, hundreds of new child care programs have opened, creating thousands of new spaces for children and hundreds of early childhood educator jobs. More than 5,000 additional children and their families now pay less for child care thanks to expanded state support, with many households saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars each month. That is what affordability for families looks like.

“On the campaign trail, child care was front and center in the affordability agenda. Vermont voters and candidates understand that we cannot bring down the cost of living without making child care more affordable and accessible. And, Vermont was not alone. Across the country, child care has become a defining affordability issue, with many candidates campaigning on major child care policies that lower costs for families.

“There is more work ahead. We look forward to working with these newly elected child care champions in the upcoming legislative biennium to keep delivering for children, families, and early childhood educators, and continue strengthening our child care system.”