Hundreds of Virginia parents and child care workers went to the state Capitol this week to demand that lawmakers expand access to affordable child care as the General Assembly's 2026 session enters a key budget phase.
Parents gathered on the Capitol steps in Richmond on Thursday holding signs that read "Child Care Is Essential" and "Support Working Families" while advocacy groups met with legislators inside to push for more state funding, higher pay for providers, and longer-term support for early education programs.
The Budget Crisis Facing Families
Organizers said many families are struggling as temporary federal pandemic-era funds have expired, leaving centers with budget gaps and forcing some to raise tuition or close classrooms, according to the Henrico Citizen.
They warned lawmakers that without action this year, more parents could be forced to cut work hours or leave their jobs because they cannot find safe, stable care for their children. The collapse of federal support has created an urgent gap that state funding must fill to prevent further service disruptions.
The main focus of the push is to secure more money in the state budget for subsidies that help low- and middle-income families pay for child care.
Advocates also want to make it easier for parents to qualify by raising income limits and reducing paperwork, saying that many families fall just above current thresholds but still cannot afford private tuition.
Several advocacy organizations submitted detailed budget proposals suggesting a $50 million annual investment could serve thousands more children while stabilizing the current system, Vaco reported.
Legislative Pushback and Next Steps
Child care providers told legislators that they are losing staff to higher-paying jobs in retail and other sectors, which leads to long waitlists and fewer open spots for families. They urged the General Assembly to create a wage floor or targeted grants so centers can raise salaries without pricing parents out. Many providers reported operating with skeleton crews and turning away families weekly due to staffing shortages.
Lawmakers from both parties said they recognize the pressure on families and businesses, but some raised concerns about the overall cost and how it would fit into competing budget demands such as transportation, health care, and tax policy. Budget negotiators are expected to outline their latest proposals in the coming weeks.
Parents who attended the event said they will keep calling, emailing, and visiting the Capitol throughout the session. Advocacy groups plan to track votes and share updates with families across the state, arguing that child care is a core part of Virginia's economy and should be treated like other essential infrastructure, as per VPLC.
