The central Maine business community thanks Sen. Susan Collins for championing increased federal investment in child care in the recently approved federal budget. Sen. Collins called on her peers to double the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) funding over five years and pushed hard for a 20% down payment on that investment in fiscal year 2023. With her tireless advocacy, CCDBG was increased by 30%.

Child care is vital for parents to be able to go to work. High-quality programs also prepare kids for later success in their lives, including their own participation in our future workforce.

The lack of quality child care has been a top concern of businesses for many years since it presents a huge barrier to work. According to a ReadyNation report issued earlier this year, child care challenges exact an annual cost of $57 billion nationally in lost earnings, productivity, and revenue. Maine’s economy loses $180 million per year due to the child care crisis for infants and toddlers alone.

Investing more federal and state dollars in our child care infrastructure is essential to Maine’s economic growth and stability.

Sen. Collins has been a champion on child care supports for many years. We owe her a debt of gratitude for this major federal funding increase. Maine’s children, and our working parents will benefit from her work for years to come.

 

Kim Lindlof

President and CEO

Mid Maine Chamber of Commerce