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Bill to create childcare infrastructure grant program draws strong support from providers and economic-development groups
Summary
HB 945 would create a state grant program to help child‑care businesses with start‑up, renovation and expansion costs; supporters said one‑time capital grants can create new licensed slots and increase workforce participation, while advocates asked the committee to broaden eligibility and ease match rules for small providers.
House Bill 945 would create a state grant program — the Early Childhood Education and Child Care Infrastructure Grant Program — administered by the Montana Department of Commerce to provide one‑time capital and startup grants for child‑care facilities (startups, expansions and renovations). Representative Katie Sullivan (R‑House District 93) sponsored the bill and framed it as a small‑business infrastructure program to increase licensed child‑care capacity, reduce waitlists and support workforce participation.
Why it matters: Montana faces a shortage of licensed childcare, particularly for infant/toddler care; providers and economic‑development witnesses said limited capital and renovation costs are major barriers to opening or expanding licensed…
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