Sponsors pitch employer-led grants to build on-site and near-site childcare

The House Finance Committee heard sponsor testimony on House Bill 41, a proposal to create state grants that would help employers, nonprofits and local partners develop on‑site or near‑site child care to improve workforce participation and reduce costs for working families.

The bill’s sponsors, Representative White, and Representative Romer, told the committee the program would fund public‑private partnerships and training to help businesses convert unused office or campus space, or otherwise collaborate with local child‑care providers, to bring child care closer to employees.

Supporters say the proposal is intended to address two linked problems: rising child‑care costs and worker shortages. "This legislation is about stimulating new public private partnerships to help our businesses, our community partners, our childcare providers and others work together to increase access to on‑site or near site…