MinnPost: DFL lawmakers to introduce cap on families’ child care costs
As child care centers across the U.S. grapple with potential closures following the expiration of American Rescue Plan funding, Minnesota has taken a distinctive approach by allocating state funds to address the crisis. In response to the looming end of federal support, the state legislature approved $1.3 billion in child care funding during its last session. This led to the establishment of the Great Start Compensation Support Program, with $316 million earmarked to enhance employee compensation and benefits for child care providers. Although this initiative addresses the workforce side of the issue, child care advocates argue that more comprehensive measures are required to ensure accessibility and affordability for all families.
The challenges in the child care sector extend beyond employee compensation, with the financial strain on families seeking child care and the lack of funding for child care centers highlighted as key issues. Even with the recent state funding, child care in Minnesota remains one of the most significant expenses for families, surpassing in-state college tuition and average rent costs. The sector has faced long-standing difficulties, including a significant decline in licensed facilities and a shortage of child care workers due to relatively low wages. Despite recent funding measures, child care advocates stress the need for a more comprehensive, long-term strategy to address the broader issues, emphasizing the essential role of early child care as a public good deserving of sustained investment and attention.
