State Senator Louis Blessing | The Ohio Senate
State Senator Louis Blessing | The Ohio Senate
Senators Louis W. Blessing III and Jane Timken are set to introduce a new bill aimed at helping childcare workers in Ohio by providing them with childcare services. The proposed legislation will create a pilot program designed to address the ongoing childcare worker crisis by offering benefits that could have positive economic outcomes for the state.
"Childcare is the business behind the business," said Senator Blessing. He noted that the initiative aims to boost the free market by ensuring everyone can qualify for the program, allowing the economy to function optimally.
Senator Timken expressed similar sentiments, emphasizing the program's potential to help parents and childcare workers re-enter the workforce. "Providing childcare benefits to Ohio's childcare workers is a win-win," she said. The initiative is expected to expand the workforce for childcare providers, thereby increasing access and reducing a significant barrier for many people seeking to join the workforce.
Support for the bill comes from the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, with President & CEO Steve Stivers stating that it meets a critical demand. "The Ohio Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the efforts by Senators Blessing and Timken to provide childcare benefits for Ohio’s childcare workers," he said. Stivers added that the initiative will enhance workers' wages and enable providers to invest more in payroll.
Zandra Phillips, owner of Pitter Patter Learning Center in Dayton, highlighted the current challenges faced by the industry. "It is no secret that our industry is in a full employment crisis," she said. Phillips believes that offering free childcare for workers will attract needed talent, facilitate business expansion, and lower overall industry costs.
The report indicates that Ohio's economy suffers a $5.5 billion annual loss due to issues related to childcare access. The proposed legislation aims to alleviate this by enabling parents employed in the childcare sector to have their children attend the same facility where they work.
Alerts Sign-up