Gillibrand – Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Provide Funding For Childcare For Police Workforce

On Friday morning, US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a press conference at the Cicero Police Department to announce a new bipartisan bill titled Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act. Senator Gillibrand was joined by Cicero Police Department Sergeant Steven Amyot, President of the Central New York Chiefs of Police Association and Homer Police Department Chief Bob Pitman, Child Care Solutions CNY Executive Director Anne Napper, Cicero Town Councilor Jonathan Karp, and the family of Officer Michael Jensen, who was killed in the line of duty last month.

The bill would provide up to $24 million dollars in federal funding for each of the next 5 years to provide child care services to support both men and women in law enforcement. The Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act would establish a grant pilot program to provide child care services for the children of police officers to accommodate the shift work and abnormal work hours of the officers, and to enhance recruitment and retention of the workforce.

“As someone who has been in law enforcement for over 30 years, and a father, I truly appreciate this bi-partisan legislation being presented by Senator Gillibrand. Although my children are now adults, I can recall when they were younger, my wife was a labor and delivery nurse and with my job, we both worked odd hour shifts, including weekends. However, we were fortunate to have family members to care for our children, I know there were officers who were not so fortunate, and it was a continuous struggle for them. This legislation would help members of law enforcement care for what is most precious to them, their children. As the President of the Central New York Chiefs Association, I know that I speak for law enforcement in the Central New York area when I say thank you to Senator Gillibrand,”

said Chief Bob Pitman, President of the Central New York Chiefs of Police Association.

A recent survey conducted shows almost 20% of police officers are looking to leave law enforcement. Gellibrand’s Office additionally noted one major metropolitan area police department has officers reporting to either have to leave or miss work due to a child care issue.

Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) cosponsors this bill in the Senate and Representative Scott Peters (D-CA-50) leads the bill in the House of Representatives.