St. Paul – Minnesota Senate Republicans will continue to address the statewide problem of inadequate, expensive child care with a listening session in Lake City on September 10. The event is part of a series of forums featuring a bipartisan group of senators to be held across Minnesota starting in August. The sessions will be sponsored by the Senate’s new Child Care Access Working Group.
“We are in the midst of a child care crisis,” said Senator Mike Goggin (R-Red Wing). “It is becoming harder and harder for parents to find care, particularly in greater Minnesota, and at-home providers are finding it nearly impossible to remain in business because of excessive regulations. I am glad the Child Care Access Working Group is coming to Lake City, so families and providers here can relay their experiences directly. I hope to see a large crowd on September 10.”
In addition to hearing public testimony during the listening sessions, the Child Care Access Working Group will also visit local child care facilities to hear about the challenges they face as providers. Additionally, the group plans to meet with local economic development authorities to discuss workforce shortages attributable to a lack of childcare options.