Activists Push for Increased Wages for Family, Friend, and Neighbor Childcare in Massachusetts

The Joint Committee on Education of the Massachusetts Legislature convened on September 2, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding childcare, particularly focusing on the role of family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) providers. The meeting featured testimonies from various community members advocating for legislative support to enhance access and compensation for these informal caregivers.

Betty McGuire, a representative from the New England Community Project, opened the discussion by sharing her personal experiences as a caregiver for her nine children and 19 grandchildren. She emphasized the importance of trust in childcare, advocating for better recognition and compensation for FFN providers. McGuire highlighted that many caregivers in communities like Dorchester, Mattapan, and Roxbury are unaware of available state support and urged for increased wages, suggesting that current subsidies of $10 to $25 per day are insufficient.

Joanne Freeman, another member of the New England Community Project, echoed McGuire's sentiments, sharing her struggles as a working mother who relied on family for childcare. She called for improved access to training and resources for caregivers, stressing the need for better communication about existing programs.

Tamira Murillo, representing the Blackstone Work Alliance, spoke about the challenges faced by low-income families in accessing affordable childcare. She advocated for legislation that would increase pay for FFN providers to at least the state minimum wage, which would help stabilize the childcare options available to families.

Other testimonies reinforced the urgent need for legislative action, with caregivers sharing personal stories of the sacrifices made to provide care without adequate compensation. Many emphasized that FFN care is essential for working parents, particularly in communities with limited access to formal childcare options.

The committee heard a collective call for support of bills H 542 and S 341, which aim to expand access to FFN childcare and improve compensation for providers. The testimonies underscored the critical role that these caregivers play in the childcare system and the necessity of recognizing their contributions through fair wages and support.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members were urged to consider the significant impact of these bills on families across Massachusetts, particularly those in underserved communities. The discussions highlighted a growing recognition of the need for systemic changes to support informal childcare providers and ensure that all families have access to safe and affordable care.