An often-under-discussed challenge for young working families is the need to secure quality, affordable childcare prior to school age. In fact, the average monthly cost for full-time daycare in Michigan is ~$900 per month for a single child. In rural communities, like much of Northern Michigan, these costs can grow even higher, due to a lack of supply and reliability. This puts immense strain on families, often navigating blossoming careers and new parenthood amid a sea of anxiety and uncertainty. As working parents of twin boys, this is a challenge my wife Megan and I know all too well, paying sometimes in excess of $20,000 per year at times when money was especially tight.

If we want to grow our communities and reverse the emptying of our rural towns, we must be able to support working families when they need it most. If we want to encourage people to work and contribute to the richness of our society, we must not force them to choose between a paying often-obscene childcare costs or giving up their careers. That is why I support free universal childcare for all working parents in America, extending K through 12 education to birth, and investing in our young families exactly where they are.