A recent study finds New Hampshire families pay some of the highest rates in the nation for childcare. We explore the economics of the issue, including the financial challenges facing childcare centers and the impact on the state's workforce. We also look at solutions being explored by lawmakers in Concord and on Capitol Hill.
GUESTS:
- Christiane Casserly, executive director, Rochester Child Care Center, which serves more than 30o families, including babies starting at six months old.
- Jackie Cowell, executive director of Early Learning NH, a nonprofit that advocates for child care programs and the families they serve.
- Matt Mowry, editor ofBusiness New Hampshire Magazine. He's written extensively about the impact of child care on the state's businesses and the economy.
ALSO JOINING US:
- Sen. Andrew Hosmer, D-Laconia, lead sponsor of a billthat would have set up a new state property tax refund to help offset the costs of childcare expenses.
- Elise Gould, senior economist with the Economic Policy Institute, co-author of a 50-state study on child care costs, which puts NH at the 12th most expensive.
Read more:
- For help in NH with child care issues: Child Care Aware of N.H. or call 855-393-1731. Or Southern NH Services.
- Washington Post - The States Where Parents Spend the Most on Child Care: Beyond the diapers and sleepless nights, perhaps the biggest worry for parents with young kids is that almost no state in America provides affordable child care for those under 5.
- Economic Policy Institute - New Hampshire Breakout of the New Report on Child Care Cost: According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), child care is affordable if it costs no more than 10% of a family’s income. By this standard, only 30.3% of New Hampshire families can afford infant care.
- UNH Carsey School of Public Policy Report on Child Care Subsidies