If one figure tells the story of why childcare is so intertwined with business, it is this: The lack of available care slots keeps so many caregivers from working in Colorado that it costs the economy $3.3 billion annually. And this week’s “Colorado Chamber Office Hours” episode features an in-depth look at exactly how that impact manifests itself in Colorado and what the Legislature, typically in partnership with business groups, is looking to do to ameliorate the crisis.
Nicole Riehl — president/CEO of Executives Partnering to Invest in Children, a business-backed advocacy group — explains what’s been done in recent years to help boost the number of childcare slots, which still remains about 70,000 slots short of need in Colorado. And she discusses four bills that are moving forward this year in the Legislature, including efforts to loosen regulations around childcare providers and extend an important tax credit for businesses and individuals who contribute to childcare centers.
While many of the bills we discuss this week have overwhelming bipartisan support, some observers argue that the best thing the state government can do to make childcare more accessible is to back away altogether from control over the sector. And to that end, Sen. Mark Baisley, R-Woodland Park, discusses that idea with us, even as he supports private-sector efforts to open more childcare centers.
Listen to this latest episode wherever you get your favorite podcasts:
