State Senator Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick) and Senate Democratic Leader Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) will host a community roundtable this Thursday, June 25 from 12-1 PM at SHIFT Coffee Bar in downtown Eau Claire to discuss challenges facing Wisconsin childcare providers.  

 

The roundtable comes as the state's Child Care Bridge Payments program is set to expire on June 28, 2026. The expiration will lead to more child care center closures, increasing costs for families and parents left with fewer options to stay on the job. 

 

Child care directors, staff, parents and community members are invited to share concerns and expertise as legislators discuss the impacts of the lack of support from this program and how legislators can revisit this issue during the 2027 legislative session.

 

DETAILS: 

When: Thursday, June 25, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM 

Where: SHIFT Cyclery and Coffee Bar, 615 Graham Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701

 

Participants: State Senator Jeff Smith, Senate Democratic Leader Dianne Hesselbein, child care directors and staff, and parents.