Nearly two weeks ago, I received a letter from my child's daycare informing me they were planning to close. This isn't just a personal problem—it's a community crisis affecting thousands of families in Arkansas. The daycare voucher program was designed to support low-income families, enabling them to afford crucial child care services. It was a lifeline for single mothers like I once was, helping us work knowing our children are in good hands. But devastating funding cuts in October 2025 have stripped many families of this vital support.

Early education isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. With the current cost of daycare averaging between $150 to $200 per week, that amounts to about $600 a month per child, which is unsustainable for many. Without assistance, parents are forced to make difficult decisions about work and care, potentially sacrificing jobs or leaving children in less-than-ideal environments. This impacts not only individual families but our entire community's future.

Right now, over 2,000 kids are waiting for access to this essential support. When funding was cut, the promise to assist families wasn't fulfilled—on the contrary, it increased the burden on struggling parents and the daycares dedicated to supporting them. Restoring funding would directly aid those families and ensure that children receive the early education they deserve.

Arkansas cannot ignore this pressing issue. We need to advocate for the restoration of the daycare voucher program funding to provide affordable, quality childcare to those who need it most. Let's stand together to make this change happen so no family is left struggling without support.

I urge you all to sign this petition to demand our leaders in Arkansas restore the necessary funding to the daycare voucher program, for the sake of our children and families.