Even before the COVID pandemic, child care shortages were putting a strain on Missouri’s workforce. Unfortunately, the pandemic made that problem worse, and a study conducted by the Missouri Chamber in conjunction with the U.S. Chamber demonstrated that point. The study found that Missouri misses an estimated $1.35 billion annually for the state’s economy, including a $280 million annual loss in tax revenue, due to child care issues. Additionally, 28 percent of respondents reported that they or someone in their household had left a job, not taken a job, or greatly changed jobs because of problems with child care accessibility.
The Parson Administration is making addressing this crisis a priority. The Missouri Chamber worked with the administration and lawmakers to secure $20 million in funding in the last legislative session. In all, Missouri has allocated nearly $1 billion in federal relief funds to sustain and develop the child care industry and increase access to child care for Missourians. More information about these efforts can be found at the Missouri Early Care and Connections website.
The Missouri Chamber is planning an informational webinar about these funding programs and how businesses and communities can apply. Click here to register.
For more information on this issue, contact Kara Corches, Missouri Chamber vice president of governmental affairs, at kcorches@mochamber.com.
