to the editor: Californians will not allow political games to jeopardize the care of our children. I commend the attorney general for filing this lawsuit to prevent further damage (“California sues Trump administration over 'cruel and baseless' freeze on child care funds,” January 8).
A blanket funding freeze for Democratic states doesn't punish one political party — it punishes the millions of real children, families, and child care providers who will pay the price. According to an analysis of Economic Policy InstituteChild care already accounts for about one-fifth of the average family's income in California. With our state's high cost of living, do we really expect them to take on more sudden costs without dire consequences?
There are accountability mechanisms for public funds and child care providers already bear high operating costs. This freeze will deprive children of attention during their most important developmental years, eroding the foundation for their success.
If our country's leaders truly cared about working families and their children, they would make things easier for them, not deny them essential funds.
Stacy Lee, Los Angeles
This writer is chief learning officer and senior managing director of early childhood at children's advocacy organization Children Now.
