Letter: Quality child care is vital to growing our workforce

23 May 2019


My wife Mary and I are the proud parents of two-year old twins. Raising them is the most amazing thing we’ve ever had the opportunity to do - so every morning when I leave for work, it’s hard to say goodbye.

But you know what makes it a lot easier?

Knowing they’re going to grow and learn all day long, thanks to the excellent child care we have available.

Unfortunately, for many Minnesota families, excellent childcare (or any child care at all, for that matter) is simply not available.

The number of licensed family child care providers has decreased almost 30 percent in Minnesota since 2005. The problem is especially acute in Greater Minnesota. I hear about it every day when I speak with businesses and interest groups across the state. Families need two incomes to make ends meet, but without any child care available, they have to get by on one.

Read full article