Childcare Crisis Looms Without Bridge Funding | Duluth News

Wisconsin’s $110 million childcare bridge program, set to expire June 30, is facing a crisis as nearly a quarter of providers warn they may shut down without it. Designed to cover the gap between childcare costs and what families can pay, its loss could force most centers to raise prices—75% say they will. Directors like Abbi Kruse in Madison describe grim budget choices with no good options, fearing devastating impacts on families already struggling with costs that exceed $17,000 per child annually. With the state legislature not reconvening until January 2027, any relief is at least a year away—unless lawmakers prioritize this urgent issue. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/eb975faa4de9b1b4