Small Businesses Struggle with Lack of Affordable Child Care

Statement

Today, the House Committee on Small Business Subcommittee on Rural Development, Agriculture, Trade, and Entrepreneurship heard from witnesses on the impact of child care on communities and small businesses.

"Like health care, the child care industry presents many challenges; especially for those in rural communities. Lack of access, lack of choice, and high cost consistently discourage parents from reentering the workforce. This reduces demand for the few child care entities in those areas and raises costs while eliminating jobs," said Acting Ranking Member Jim Hagedorn (R-MN). "Programs like Head Start, or a suggested universal child care program, may only fill part of the gap. A vibrant private sector option must be part of the calculus."

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