Yesterday, parents and child care providers from across the state traveled to the State Capitol for Child Care Day at the Legislature. We are asking for lawmakers to vote yes on HB4797 and help solve the child care crisis in West Virginia.
Unaffordable for Families
Right now, the cost of child care is out of reach for many of our state’s families as they are spending more on childcare than the cost of in-state tuition at Marshall University or West Virginia University. As a result, one parent often makes the difficult choice to set aside their career and care for their children, straining household finances.
Hard to Access
Even if a family can afford child care, much of our state is a child care desert. Many corners of the state have no child care providers, while others have limited availability and long waiting lists. Statewide, nearly 26,000 West Virginian children are unable to access child care.
Providers Cannot Make Ends Meet
Right now, child care centers are paid for families who receive child care assistance based on attendance - i.e. only when and if a child shows up for care. This can make for an unstable budget. Meaning it could hurt their business. And if it happens enough, they can be forced to close. And that’s exactly what’s happening.
TODAY the House Health and Human Resources Committee will consider HB 4797 that changes reimbursement from attendance to enrollment basis.
Tell your legislators that WV families need child care. Tell them to Vote YES on HB 4797.
