Senator Tells Key Senate Committee that Childcare “Literally Doesn’t Exist” in Many Rural Communities.
SAINT PAUL, MN (Feb. 26, 2024)— Senator Grant Hauschild (DFL-Hermantown) told a key Senate Committee that his Childcare Affordability Act would help thousands of Minnesota families in the Northland and across the state who find affordable childcare out of reach – especially in small towns and rural communities, where too often childcare “literally does not exist.”
“Without a doubt, one of the top issues I hear about is the availability and affordability of childcare,” Senator Hauschild told the Senate Education Policy Committee Monday. “I’ve hosted several childcare roundtables throughout Northeast Minnesota, and I continue to be astounded by the number of families who approach me about the affordability of childcare. In many rural communities, childcare quite literally does not exist.”
Senator Hauschild said the lack of affordable childcare often forces young people and their families to leave their communities and move to places where childcare is more available and affordable, and it strains economic vitality in communities and at businesses that are looking for scarce workers.
He said his Childcare Affordability Act would grant scholarships to eligible families to help them afford childcare, with the goal of keeping childcare costs at 7 percent of a family’s income.
The committee voted to move the bill to the Senate Education Finance Committee for further consideration.
