LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) was joined by State Senator John Cronin, State Representative Michael Kushmerek, Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale, Making Opportunity Count (MOC) Leadership, and Fitchburg City Council Members to announce $750,000 in federal Community Project Funding secured by Trahan for MOC to open a new affordable child care center.
“It’s no secret just how much of a burden child care is for working families in Massachusetts. That’s why securing federal funding for Making Opportunity Count to build a new, affordable child care facility here in Fitchburg was a priority.” said Congresswoman Trahan. “This facility will provide every child who enters its doors with the care, resources, and support necessary to succeed. It’ll benefit parents looking to go to work or attend school so they can build a better life for their family. And in turn, it’ll boost Fitchburg’s economy for years and decades to come.”
"At a time when our economy is being hit hard, our partnership with Congresswoman Trahan is critical to our community," stated Kevin Reed, Executive Director of Making Opportunity Count. "We're grateful for this federal funding that will allow us to continue to provide high quality, affordable childcare for children to succeed, allow parents to gain new skills and join the workforce, and create opportunities for Fitchburg residents to thrive. There is no doubt there will be a high return on this investment that will ripple throughout the community.”
“Once again Congressman Trahan has delivered for the people of Fitchburg,” said Mayor DiNatale. “These significant funds will help to address child care needs that will benefit the entire community.”
Child care expenses have been increasing in Massachusetts for decades, and working families have steadily lost access to affordable child care options. Last year, families across the Commonwealth faced an average annual cost of almost 20 thousand dollars for child care for just one child. As families continue their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, parents – particularly mothers – unable to afford child care will struggle to return to the workforce in full.
This $750,000 investment will help MOC and community partners fund the development of a new early education center in Fitchburg, including the construction and renovation of a modern-day education center. This center will address concerns about the current facility’s deteriorating conditions and improve access to safe, high-quality early education and care for families who would otherwise struggle to afford care.
“Access to high-quality, affordable child care is a win for families, a win for our workforce, and a win for every employer in our local economy,” said Senator John Cronin (D-Lunenburg). “I’m so grateful to Congresswoman Trahan for her unwavering advocacy for this project and for her commitment to the city of Fitchburg. This investment will improve the lives of dozens of families and make our region a friendlier place to live, work and raise a family.”
“Grateful to have a strong federal partner like Congresswoman Lori Trahan who understands the essential needs for families within the district,” said State Representative Michael Kushmerek. “The funding for MOC’s new child care facility in Fitchburg will make a huge difference in the lives of our working class parents and their children.”
The Community Project Funding for MOC was secured by Congresswoman Trahan in March 2022. The funding was part of the $8,278,838 in total that Trahan requested for projects in the Third District.
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