Phoenix, Ariz. – Today, the Arizona Early Childhood Alliance (AZECA) hosted a press conference at the Arizona Capitol to call on the legislature to include crucial investments in childcare in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The Arizona Early Childhood Alliance was joined by Representative Sarah Ligouri (LD 5), childcare providers, parents, and early childhood advocates.
The press conference comes just weeks before legislators believe a budget could be finalized and while Arizona families are struggling under the high cost of childcare. The average cost of childcare for a single child has risen to nearly $11,000 per year while more than 2,600 children are stuck on a waitlist for childcare subsidies.
In the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, Arizona has the opportunity to end the waitlist for childcare subsidies and bring down the cost of childcare for thousands of Arizonans.
“In response to this pressing issue, I, along with several dedicated colleagues, have sponsored HB 2643,” said Representative Sarah Ligouri (LD 5). “This legislation proposes an appropriation from the state general fund to draw down federal funds for childcare assistance and to clear the wait list. These funds are intended to expand access to affordable childcare, support our hardworking families, and stimulate economic growth.”
“Childcare is very important to single mothers like myself and give us the peace of mind to go back to work and take care of business while our kids are being taken care of in safe and secure facilities,” said Rachel Camara, a mom from Glendale, Arizona. “Childcare is very important to Arizona and family as well doesn’t matter the background. But it’s very, very important that we work on this waiting list.”
Photos from the press conference can be found here.
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