May News Roundup: Thousands Show Up, Lawmakers Take Notice
- Izzi Greenberg
- May 20
- 2 min read
May marked a major moment for Connecticut’s child care movement.
In the final weeks of the legislative session, thousands of parents, providers, and advocates across the state made one thing clear: child care is essential — and Connecticut must act like it.
From Morning Without Child Care to increasing pressure at the Capitol, here’s what happened this month — and what it means for families, providers, and our future.
Morning Without Child Care: One Day. Statewide Impact.
On May 14, Connecticut woke up to something different.
Child care centers closed.
Families gathered in the streets.
The media showed up.
Lawmakers took notice.
More than a dozen rallies were held across the state, drawing coverage from:
🗣️ “This is a crisis, not a talking point,” said Eva Bermúdez Zimmerman of Child Care for CT.
“We closed our doors for one morning to show what it looks like when child care disappears — and to demand that the state finally treat this system like the essential infrastructure it is.”
Legislative Session: Child Care Takes Center Stage
With the budget deadline approaching, pressure is mounting. Lawmakers heard loud and clear that Connecticut families can’t afford to wait. Key highlights from the session include:
A looming budget battle that could determine the scale of investment
🗣️ “We’re not going away — and we’re not settling for band-aids,” said Bermúdez Zimmerman.
“It’s time for real, sustained, public investment — because the cost of inaction is being paid by families, providers, and our economy.”
The Data Is Undeniable
90% of parents say high-quality child care improves their well-being
The affordability gap is growing even as more programs open
What’s Next?
The session isn’t over yet — and we’re still pushing for meaningful investment in Connecticut’s children, families, and early educators.
✅ Invite friends to join our movement!
✅ Follow @childcareforct on Instagram
✅ Sign up for Lobby Days
🗣️ “We’re building a movement — not a moment,” said Bermúdez Zimmerman.
“The rallies were powerful, but the real power is in what comes next.”
Stay Engaged. Stay Loud. Stay Hopeful.
Connecticut’s early childhood future is being written now — and our collective voices are the pen.
