Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Hear from Minnesotans on Need to Expand Access to Affordable Child Care

Statement

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today hosted a virtual roundtable discussion to hear from Minnesotans across the state about the need to expand access to quality, affordable child care. Roundtable attendees included: Ann McCully, Executive Director of Child Care Aware of Minnesota; Jeff Ettinger, Co-Chair of the Governor's Council on Economic Expansion; Rasheena Bickman, Catholic Charities teacher and parent; Shakira Bradshaw, Co-Chair of Great Start for All Minnesota Children and parent; Annette Sallman, Director of Community Education at Stillwater Area Public Schools; and Keith Kozerski, Senior Director, Child & Family Services at Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

"Today, we heard from Minnesotans who made it clear: Affordable, quality child care is critical to the wellbeing and economic security of all Minnesota families," said Governor Walz. "We must find solutions that lower child care costs for families while supporting the workforce that takes care of our kids -- and Minnesota can lead the way. With Minnesota's historic budget surplus, we have an opportunity to get this done."

"We must ensure our children, early childhood educators, guardians, and parents have the tools necessary to succeed -- and for many Minnesota families, that means quality, affordable child care," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "Access to affordable child care is a proven two-generation strategy that lifts families up so parents and children can thrive. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have worked to increase and improve resources for Minnesotans in need of child care. Now, we have a historic opportunity to expand child care access and increase affordability for all Minnesotans."

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