Senate Republicans will continue to address the statewide problem of inadequate, expensive child care with a series of listening sessions held across Minnesota starting in August. The sessions will be sponsored by the Senate’s new Child Care Access Working Group chaired by Sen. Bill Weber (R-Luverne), and will feature both Republicans and Democrats.
“These listening sessions are designed to respond to an increasingly difficult situation, especially in rural Minnesota, for families who can’t find child care. Parents are either leaving the workforce or leaving the community altogether so they can continue to work,” said Sen. Weber. “This is becoming a systemic problem; it’s hurting our rural communities and Minnesota families.”
In addition to hearing public testimony during the listening sessions, the Child Care Access Working Group will also visit local child care facilities to hear about the challenges they face as providers. Additionally, the group plans to meet with local economic development authorities to discuss workforce shortages attributable to a lack of childcare options.
The first two listening sessions will be held in Willmar and Lake City. Full schedule to follow at a later date.
Willmar Listening Session
August 13, 6:00-8:00 PM
Fire Station Training Room, 515 2nd Street SW
Lake City Listening Session
September 10, 6-8:00 PM
Lake City Public Library, 201 South High Street