Democratic Leadership, JBC Members Release Statement After Trump Freezes Child Care, Social Services Funding

DENVER, CO – Democratic Leadership and members of the Joint Budget Committee today released a statement responding to the Trump Administration’s freeze of more than $300 million of funding for child care and social services for the state’s most vulnerable.

Statement from Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver, House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, JBC Chair Emily Sirota, D-Denver, and JBC Member Judy Amabile, D-Boulder:

“The Trump Administration’s callous decision to freeze more than $300 million will only make life more expensive for hardworking families.

“Gutting programs that equip tens of thousands of Coloradans with resources to provide and afford child care is a direct attack on working families. The Colorado Works program directly helps low-income Coloradans afford everyday necessities, including food and clothing, and get ahead through job training. Federally supported programs strengthen Colorado’s economy and create strong pathways for workers to earn more and thrive. 

“We stand ready to work with Governor Polis and partners in our federal delegation to resist this lawless effort to freeze funding, and we sincerely hope that our Republican colleagues will put politics aside, get serious about making life in Colorado more affordable, and put families first.”

This week, the Trump Administration froze funding for Colorado’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, known here as Colorado Works, which supports thousands of families across the state. The basic cash assistance component alone supports over 50,000 children. The Administration also froze funds for the Child Care and Development Fund and Social Service Block Grants, which are used to provide a broad range of services for vulnerable Coloradans, including child welfare services.