Governor Announces Child Care Initiatives
November 5, 2021
This week, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds released the final report that came as a result of the Governor’s Child Care Task Force. Emily Schmitt of ABI member Sukup Manufacturing chaired this task force. At the press conference, the Governor stated, “We know that the key to economic growth is a highly skilled and qualified workforce. A child care shortage that prevents parents from entering or remaining in the workforce hinders our ability to meet this challenge.”
The Governor has implemented immediate action in the following areas:
- Implementation of a childcare management system
- Creation of a “Best Place for Working Parents” designation
- Additional $10 million in funding for the Child Care Challenge Grant Program
- $100,000 for integrated model of child care and preschool learning opportunities
- $200 million for funding stabilization grants for financial loss due to the pandemic.
The additional monies in the Child Care Challenge Grant Fund, which Iowa businesses are eligible to apply for, is now open.
Workforce continues to be a legislative priority for ABI and we look forward to working with Governor Reynolds and the Legislature in 2022 on many of the initiatives mentioned in the report. Click here to read the full release.