U.S. Senator Joni Ernst announced on Apr. 16 the introduction of the Helping Ensure Reliable Opportunities (HERO) in Child Care for Military Families Act, which aims to make it easier for servicemembers to access quality and affordable child care.
The proposed legislation addresses ongoing staffing shortages and long waitlists that many military families face when seeking child care. The bill would establish a Child Care Readiness Data System to monitor capacity, staffing levels, vacancies, and turnover at facilities serving military families. It also seeks to streamline hiring requirements for child care providers, reduce delays caused by administrative processes, and expand the pool of eligible workers.
“As our servicemembers balance dedication to their families with serving our country, access to child care options shouldn’t be an additional barrier,” said Sen. Ernst. “As a mother and grandmother who served in uniform, I understand all too well the unique challenges military families face. My HERO Child Care for Military Families Act provides commonsense, bipartisan solutions to cut through the red tape, better understand the shortages, and reduce hiring delays so our military families have the support they need in every season of life.”
Rep. Jen Kiggans said: “Access to reliable, high-quality childcare is essential for the readiness and well-being of our service members and their families. By addressing staffing shortages, reducing waitlists, and strengthening hiring flexibility, the HERO Act takes an important step forward and gives military families the support they need.” Rep. Sara Jacobs added: “The military child care crisis is severe – and the lack of information is so dire – that many military families in San Diego and across the country have to rely on word of mouth and Facebook groups… That’s why I’m proud to co-lead…the HERO Child Care Act… Our bill will arm us with the data we need to make substantive improvements.” Rye Barcott from With Honor also voiced support: “When service members don’t have reliable, affordable childcare…it causes stress that follows them into…deployment… The HERO Childcare for Military Families Act recognizes the sacrifices our military families make…and provides support they need….”
Senator Ernst has previously advocated for increased access to affordable child care both nationally and in Iowa during her travels across her home state visiting centers focused on these issues.
Ernst’s background includes over 23 years of service in the Iowa Army National Guard where she achieved lieutenant colonel rank during Operation Iraqi Freedom according to her official website. She became Iowa’s first woman elected federally upon joining Congress according to her official website.
In addition to her work on this new legislation supporting military parents nationwide, Ernst leads other efforts such as bipartisan bills allowing non-profit providers—including religious organizations—to participate in Small Business Administration loan programs aimed at lowering costs for working Iowans according to her official website.
Ernst grew up on a family farm in Montgomery County where she learned values of hard work; she earned degrees from Iowa State University (bachelor’s) and Columbus State University (master’s), serves on multiple Senate committees focusing on fiscal responsibility according to her official website, while assisting constituents with federal agency matters such as Social Security or veterans benefits.
