Read the full stored bill text
H. R. No. 16 *HR43/R573* ~ OFFICIAL ~ G1/2
26/HR43/R573
PAGE 1 (MCL\KP)
To: Rules
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION 2026
By: Representatives Taylor, Hulum, Sanders
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 16
A RESOLUTION DECLARING APRIL 8 THROUGH 12, 2026, AS "WEEK OF 1
THE YOUNG CHILD" IN MISSISSIPPI. 2
WHEREAS, the first years of a child's life are the period of 3
the most rapid brain development and lay the foundation for all 4
future learning; and 5
WHEREAS, nationwide, women are quitting their jobs at a 6
higher rate than men, and that gender quit gap is widest in the 7
states with the most child care disruptions; and 8
WHEREAS, participation in high quality early childhood 9
education saves taxpayer dollars, makes working families more 10
economically secure, and prepares children to succeed in school, 11
earn higher wages, and live healthier lives; and 12
WHEREAS, the average wage for child care providers, who are 13
skilled and valuable frontline professionals that have risked 14
their health to provide education and care during a global 15
pandemic, is less than $13.00 per hour, with Black and Latino 16
child care providers making even less; and 17
H. R. No. 16 *HR43/R573* ~ OFFICIAL ~
26/HR43/R573
PAGE 2 (MCL\KP)
ST: Week of the Young Child; designate April 8
through 12, 2026 as.
WHEREAS, the majority of these costs, which often exceed the 18
cost of a year college tuition, are born by parents, who often 19
cannot afford it; and 20
WHEREAS, the lack of sufficient public investment in the face 21
of the COVID-19 pandemic has forced child care programs, 22
educators, and families into a series of impossible choices with 23
devasting consequences; and 24
WHEREAS, young children need skilled, educated, competent, 25
consistent, and compensated early childhood education settings, 26
and working families need a strong regulatory structure to give 27
them peace of mind that their children are safe and in high 28
quality early care and education settings; and 29
WHEREAS, early childhood educators need the ability to earn a 30
family sustaining wage that is commensurate with the required 31
education and skills they bring to the complex valuable work they 32
do and: 33
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF 34
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby 35
declare April 8 through 12, 2026, as "Week of the Young Child" in 36
Mississippi, and commit to investments that stabilize, sustain, 37
and support child care and early learning, so this essential 38
workforce can continue to support children, families, and our 39
economy through the pandemic crisis, recovery, and beyond. 40
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be 41
furnished to the members of the Capitol Press Corps. 42