1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I am writing as a concerned Ohio resident to strongly oppose the recent decision to pause federal childcare funding nationwide in response to alleged fraud in Minnesota. While accountability and oversight are important, a blanket funding freeze is an extreme overreaction that puts working families across the country — including here in Ohio — in immediate jeopardy. In Ohio alone, well over 100,000 children rely on publicly funded childcare assistance through state and federal programs. These programs allow parents to work, maintain employment, and contribute to the economy while ensuring their children are in safe, licensed care. Cutting or delaying this funding, even temporarily, creates instant instability for families who are already balancing tight budgets and limited childcare options. This action does not punish fraudsters — it punishes working parents, childcare providers, and employers. Many families depend on consistent childcare in order to keep their jobs. When that support disappears, parents are forced to miss work, reduce hours, or leave the workforce entirely. Small businesses and local economies feel the ripple effects almost immediately. If fraud occurred in one state, it should be investigated and addressed directly and proportionally. Shutting down or pausing funding nationwide is neither targeted nor responsible policy. It undermines trust in government, harms children, and puts thousands of Ohio jobs at risk. I urge you to push for an immediate reversal of this funding pause and advocate for solutions that hold bad actors accountable without harming innocent families. Ohio’s working parents deserve stability, not uncertainty. Thank you for your time and for representing the people of Ohio. I hope you will act quickly to protect families who depend on these essential programs.