COLUMBUS, Ohio – Governor Mike DeWine is set to speak with business leaders and child care advocates in the Dayton area. This discussion will be part of a summit focused on making child care more accessible and affordable for working parents.
This event reflects a growing consensus among Ohio’s top business organizations. They believe that improving child care is essential for attracting more jobs to the state.
There’s also bipartisan support from lawmakers. Both Democrats and Republicans in the Ohio General Assembly have introduced bills aimed at tackling the challenges of child care costs and availability. Although no bills passed last year, some have been reintroduced this month.
Governor DeWine has already taken steps to address these child care issues. Last year, he expanded state vouchers, allowing about 8,000 more children to access publicly funded daycare. He also reallocated $85 million in federal funds for grants to create or enhance child care programs, improve facility conditions, and provide training for caregivers who support children with special needs.
Additionally, DeWine’s two-year state operating budget will soon be released. This budget could outline his priorities as he enters the final years of his governorship. It must be submitted to the legislature by Monday, after which lawmakers will review and adjust it before it’s signed into law by July 1.
The summit, titled “The Workforce Equation: Why Child Care Matters for Ohio Businesses,” is already sold out. The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Groundwork Ohio and Preschool Promise, is putting on this event at Wright State University. Attendees can look forward to discussions on the business benefits of child care, potential solutions to the ongoing crisis, and how the semiconductor industry is addressing child care needs.
In our Rethinking Child Care series, we’re exploring the high costs and difficulties families face in finding quality child care, while also seeking solutions to lessen their burdens and strengthen our economy.
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