Advocacy Leads to Action: MLICCI Responds to DHS TANF Funding for CCPP

The below statement should be attributed to Carol Burnett, Executive Director of the Mississippi Low Income Child Care Initiative:

“The Mississippi Low-Income Child Care Initiative (MLICCI) welcomes the recent announcement by the Mississippi Department of Human Services to utilize Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) direct funding to support the Child Care Payment Program (CCPP), a solution our organization has advocated for many years, and especially since the program pause in April 2025. This decision finally establishes TANF direct funding as a CCPP revenue stream.

“While the Mississippi Department of Human Services has announced an initial $5 million investment into CCPP through TANF direct funding, we recognize that this is an important first step but not the finish line.We remain encouraged that this action could help nearly 700 Mississippi families gain access to child care, providing parents with greater workforce stability and children with safe, nurturing learning environments. 

“At the same time, the need remains significant. Thousands of Mississippi families continue to struggle with affordability and access to child care, while providers continue to navigate workforce shortages and financial strain. Mississippi’s child care system remains at a critical crossroads.

“MLICCI is grateful to our child care leadership team, legislative champions, advocacy partners, providers, parents, and supporters across Mississippi who stood with us in this effort and refused to let this crisis be ignored. Their persistence, courage, and commitment helped move this issue from concern to action. We remain committed to working alongside our stakeholders to pursue sustainable, long-term investments that elevate the urgent needs of working families, strengthen child care infrastructure, and ensure access to quality, affordable child care.

“Today, we celebrate progress. Tomorrow, we continue the work because no mother should have to choose between the child she loves and the job she needs.”