Fogle secures $20 million for childcare

Apr 5, 2022

Budget amendment would provide funds to small businesses and state agencies

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — State Rep. Betsy Fogle, D-Springfield, attached an amendment to the budget Tuesday that will direct $20 million in state funds to two programs that will help cover childcare costs for small businesses and essential workers, including state agencies.

“Childcare is a significant cost that only rose during the pandemic, and it imposes a major financial barrier for families to stay active in the workforce,” Fogle said. “By devoting funds to this program, we tell parents who work in state agencies or want to start new businesses that we support them.”

The pilot programs will utilize federal funds granted to the state through the Childcare Discretionary Funds afforded by the American Rescue Plan Act with $10 million allocated to state agencies’ essential workers and another $10 million to small businesses. Both agencies and businesses will submit proposals to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for up to $250,000 each for expenses and equipment related to childcare services.

Fogle noted the impact of this amendment could especially help state workers struggling due to low staffing levels in the public sector. Throughout the entire budget process, members of the committee heard from multiple state agencies that employee turnover is at unsustainable levels because they are overworked and underappreciated.

While Fogle noted this amendment would not solve the problem, it could help alleviate some of the financial strain parents face.

“I’m proud to secure this funding for Missouri families by working across the aisle during a historic budget year,” Fogle said. “This appropriation will improve livelihoods across the entire state.”