This afternoon, Missouri Governor Mike Parson delivered his State of the State Address, which highlighted a plan to address the childcare crisis in Missouri. He is proposing a budget investment of $134 million in childcare and three new tax credits that will improve childcare facilities and services, improve benefits to employers who provide childcare assistance to their employees and assist childcare providers with payroll costs.
”Together, these supports will help serve more Missouri families by enabling more childcare providers to remain in business, start their business and expand their business,” said Governor Parson.
United WE commends Governor Parson for prioritizing childcare in the 2024 fiscal budget proposal for Missouri’s economy, women, and families. We have been a leader in these policy discussions and our work over the past three years, including a 2-year national childcare licensing study, the Status of Women in Missouri report, and the Missouri Town Hall report; as well as our collaborations with partners like Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe and the Missouri State Chamber have positioned Missouri to serve as a national leader in childcare with key research findings and effective childcare solutions.
While childcare disproportionately impacts women, it is more than a women’s issue. It is an economic and workforce development challenge that has cost an estimated $1.35 billion annually to Missouri’s economy, according to research by the U.S. and Missouri Chambers of Commerce. We know the childcare issue is complex and requires a long-term, multi-prong approach. The childcare tax credits highlighted by Governor Parson are important examples of sustainable private and public sector partnerships that provide relief to families.
Our data shows more than 400 childcare entities closed during the pandemic with no plans to reopen, leaving 41% of counties without accredited childcare facilities. As supply dwindled, immense pressure has been placed on the workforce, with more women leaving their jobs every day due to the inability to access affordable childcare. According to McKinsey and Company, the Missouri economy stands to grow by as much as 15% if women’s participation in the workforce is boosted. United WE will continue to support solutions that address the supply of childcare in Missouri to ultimately allow more women and men to remain in the workforce and reach their full economic potential.
While there is more work to be done, today marks important progress for Missouri’s economy, women, and families. Together, with the use of evidence-based research, private and public partnerships, and innovative solutions, we can solve the childcare crisis in Missouri.
Let’s get to work!
Sincerely,
Wendy Doyle, President and CEO
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