WEST VIRGINIA (WVDN) – Statement of Amy Jo Hutchison, West Virginia Campaign Director at MomsRising, the online and on-the-ground organization of more than one million mothers and their families, including thousands in West Virginia, on the child care legislation the state legislature has passed:
“The child care crisis has taken a terrible toll on our state’s moms, families, small businesses, and its economy. It’s harmed every part of West Virginia. That’s why families from every corner of the state have called on lawmakers to enact policies that will help solve this crisis. Now, after hundreds of calls, emails, meetings, conversations, and incredibly hard work, our state legislature has passed legislation to address that crisis, with overwhelming bipartisan support. HB 4191 also has strong support from families, the business community, and child care providers. Gov. Morrisey should sign it into law immediately.
“Without affordable child care, parents can’t work, employers can’t find the workers they need, and our state’s economy can’t thrive. By helping stabilize child care program finances and expanding tax credits for small businesses that provide or sponsor child care for their employees, HB 4191 will help put child care within reach for many more working families. That, in turn, will help alleviate the staffing challenges businesses throughout the state are facing, and increase West Virginia’s painfully low workforce participation. Addressing the child care crisis that is forcing so many West Virginia parents out of jobs will help ease the hardship so many families are facing, which is especially important at this time when costs for gas, food, utilities, and other essentials are going through the roof.
“The child care crisis costs West Virginia’s economy hundreds of millions of dollars in lost productivity, earnings, and tax revenue annually. Our coalition has worked tirelessly for years to educate lawmakers about the urgent need to stabilize the economy by investing in the child care sector. We are proud that our legislators have responded with smart legislation that will very quickly boost small businesses, child care professionals, and the families who rely on them. Child care is the work that makes all other work possible. Gov. Morrisey should waste no time in signing HB 4191 into law.”
