FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Media Contact:
Nia Byas
Communications and Digital Director
Virginia Senate Democratic Cacus
RICHMOND, V.A. – In case you missed it, Governor Abigail Spanberger yesterday signed two major pieces of legislation aimed at expanding access to affordable child care and supporting working families across the Commonwealth.
| Senate Bill 134 (SB 134), chief patroned by Senator Mamie Locke, improves how Virginia evaluates childcare needs across the state. This bill requires the Department of Education to use updated data and cost estimates to better plan for childcare funding, access, and waitlists. The legislation also prioritizes areas identified as childcare deserts and strengthens transparency through annual reporting requirements. “Childcare affordability impacts every corner of Virginia and plays a major role in the financial stability of working families,” said Senator Mamie Locke, Chair of the Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus. “This bill helps create a clear picture of Virginia’s childcare needs and gives flexibility to reduce waitlists for daycares and childcare centers. As chief patron of SB 134, I am proud to see Virginia continue moving forward with policies that expand access to care, reduce barriers for parents, and make a meaningful difference in the everyday lives of families across the Commonwealth.” Senate Bill 3 (SB 3), chief patroned by Senator Lashrecse Aird, establishes the Employee Child Care Assistance Program, which incentivizes employers to help cover childcare costs for their employees through a state matching program administered by the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation. “Too many working parents are being forced to make impossible choices when it comes to childcare,” said Senator Lashrecse Aird, Vice Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus. “As a working mom myself, I understand how important affordable and reliable childcare is for families trying to balance careers, raise children, and simply make ends meet. The establishment of the Employee Child Care Assistance Program encourages businesses to offer childcare support to their employees similar to health care insurance or tuition assistance. This legislation is also about helping parents rejoin the workforce instead of being forced to choose between staying home because they cannot afford childcare or going to work to help provide for their families. It’s about giving parents a little more breathing room and making sure families know the Commonwealth is investing in them.” Together, both bills represent a continued effort by the Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus to lower costs for working families and strengthen Virginia’s workforce. Senate Democrats have made lowering costs and supporting families a top priority, advancing legislation focused on childcare access, affordability, and early childhood education. Here’s some of what Virginians across the Commonwealth were watching and reading about yesterday’s landmark bill singing: Richmond Times Dispatch: Va. Gov. Spanberger signs employee childcare assistance bill C-SPAN: Virginia Governor Spanberger Signs Bills to Expand Affordable Childcare The Roanoke Rambler: Childcare at Work: How Virginia’s New Law Could Quietly Boost the Roanoke Region’s Economy DC News Now : Spanberger signs bills to address affordable childcare crisis WSLS: Gov. Spanberger signs bipartisan legislation aimed at lowering childcare costs for parentsSyndicated By: WRIC, WRIC, WJHL, WJHL, WFXR, WAVY TV 10 WHSV: Governor signs bills designed to lower childcare costs Syndicated By: 29News, 29News, WDBJ7, WDBJ7 |
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