RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Child care in the state could soon be more affordable and accessible for families as Governor Josh Stein creates a task force to look into how to make that happen.
Governor Stein and other state leaders say this has been an issue for years now in the state but now it’s become what they call a crisis, and they need a solution.
“We do not have enough child care slots to meet the need of the state,” Governor Stein said on Monday while spending time at a Durham child care center.
He says even if families are lucky enough to secure a spot, there are other challenges.
“They might not be able to afford it, the average cost of infant care in North Carolina is $12,000,” Governor Stein said.
“For too many parents, the cost of child care is now higher than their rent,” Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt added.
It’s not just a problem that impacts families with kids. Governor Stein and his administration say when families can’t afford child care, it forces parents to leave the job market and stay home, even if that’s not what they want to do. That’s taking people out of jobs and out of the state economy.
“We won’t stay a top business state if we don’t have a workforce that can show up to work,” Lt. Governor Hunt said.
So the Governor is creating a task force to look into how to make child care more accessible and more affordable, and he wants it to happen soon. It’ll be led by Lt. Governor Hunt and Senator Jim Burgin.
That’s not all.
“In my budget which will be announced later this month, I will propose a substantial investment to pay providers more, increase program quality, and raise child care subsidy rates,” Governor Stein said. He also wants to create 1,000 pre-k slots.
“When we invest in child care our entire society benefits, parents get to keep working and building their careers, we don’t see as many vacancy or help wanted signs on our small businesses,” Governor Stein said.
The Governor is asking for a preliminary report from the task force by June and then a more in-depth report later this year.
