Governor Signs Historic Child Care Contract

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley signed the first-ever contract for Maryland’s family child care providers at a ceremony in Annapolis Thursday. ““We are excited and proud,” said Madie Green, a District Heights family child care provider and who was among the provider-leaders who negotiated the landmark contract, told the crowd. “By supporting us, (the Governor) stands with Maryland’s low-income women and shows his commitment to building a bright future for all of the state’s children.” The event marks a milestone in the six-year journey to gain a voice in decision-making for providers who care for children through the state’s child care subsidy program and who are represented by SEIU Local 500. “The hard working professionals of SEIU are vital to the healthy future of so many Marylanders,” said Governor O’Malley, “and it’s our obligation to ensure their rights as contracted workers are protected just as state employees are.”