Senator Gillibrand Introduces Bill for Law Enforcement Child Care Grants

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has introduced the bipartisan Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act, proposing $24 million in federal funding annually over five years to create a pilot program supporting child care for law enforcement families. The bill aims to address recruitment and retention challenges by offering grants of up to $3 million to law enforcement agencies or consortia to develop child care services that accommodate the irregular and extended shifts typical in policing, with 20% of funds reserved for smaller departments employing fewer than 200 officers. This initiative responds to a growing concern that over 70% of police departments find recruitment more difficult than five years ago, with child care conflicts leading some officers to miss work or consider leaving. Advocates highlight that improving child care access could also enhance workforce diversity, particularly by attracting and retaining more women and younger officers. Gillibrand emphasized that police officers should not have to choose between their careers and family care, and the program could eventually expand to support other critical workers like firefighters and EMTs. The bill has garnered support from law enforcement groups and bipartisan lawmakers, with plans to launch the pilot in fiscal year 2026.