I am a single mom with limited help trying to make ends meet. I live with my parents, who both work full-time while I also juggle a job. Despite our combined efforts, I don't make enough to move out and pay the exorbitant costs of daycare. To make matters worse, I've been advised to quit my job to qualify for childcare vouchers. This doesn't make sense—how does quitting allow single parents an opportunity to improve their situations and financially support their children?

There are countless single mothers in similar predicaments. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are approximately 11 million single-parent families, and 80% of these are headed by single mothers. Many of us face significant obstacles due to the high costs of childcare, which can easily exceed $9,000 annually for one child, a hefty sum when you’re the sole breadwinner.

The current assistance systems fail to consider the unique challenges single moms face. State policies often overlook us, making it nearly impossible to improve our circumstances without giving up employment. It's a catch-22: We need to work to provide for our families, but we also need help with childcare to maintain employment. It's time for state governments to step up and provide realistic, sustainable assistance for single mothers who are striving to make better lives for their children.

We need comprehensive childcare assistance reforms that consider household income on a scale that accounts for the realities of single-parent families. Programs should be designed to support and not hinder progress for single mothers striving to improve their socio-economic standing.

Please sign this petition to urge state lawmakers to re-evaluate and reform the current childcare assistance strategies to provide a lifeline for those who truly need it. Together, we can advocate for change that supports working single mothers in our community.