Mirna Valerio: Vermont’s Commitment to Child Care is Transformative
Winooski, VT — In a recent commentary, Mirna Valerio, an ultrarunner and advocate for outdoor activities, shared her deep appreciation for Vermont’s natural beauty and its progressive values, particularly in child care. Settling her family in the Green Mountain State, Valerio highlighted the transformative impact of Act 76, a new law providing essential long-term funding for affordable child care, which has garnered support from over 40,000 Vermonters.
Valerio noted that access to affordable child care is crucial not only for parents but for the entire community. Reflecting on her own experiences, she emphasized how quality child care played a significant role in her son’s development and allowed her to balance a demanding career in education with family responsibilities. She praised early childhood educators as vital professionals who deserve respect and fair compensation for their critical work.
With many Vermont families eager for more robust child care options, Valerio pointed out that investing in child care is fundamentally about empowering parents to engage fully in the economy. This enables them to create businesses and contribute to the state’s livelihood, fostering a thriving community.
The upcoming 2025 legislative session poses a pivotal opportunity for lawmakers in Montpelier to prioritize child care funding, building on the successes of Act 76. Valerio called on Vermonters to advocate for child care as a community necessity rather than an afterthought.
She concluded by urging fellow residents to join Vermont’s Child Care Campaign, emphasizing that ensuring access to quality child care is essential for a vibrant future where families can thrive not by chance, but through strong community values.
For more on this initiative, visit Vermont’s Child Care Campaign.
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