In December, the Indiana Chamber participated in the Early Childhood and Business Advisory Council All-States Convening, hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation in collaboration with the Bipartisan Policy Center and the Buffett Early Childhood Institute. Other states represented included Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio and South Dakota.
Over the two-day event, discussions focused on:
- developing robust data systems to inform decision-making;
- prioritizing childcare workers on the Child Care and Development Fund waitlist;
- employer match programs and tri-share models;
- leveraging federal tax incentives;
- economic development strategies;
- Best Place for Working Parents® initiatives; and
- innovative state financing models.
We will continue to engage in this partnership to learn from states facing similar challenges and explore strategies that work. These insights will help us navigate Indiana’s complex early childhood education and childcare issues.
As we approach the upcoming legislative session, we remain committed to working with lawmakers to develop solutions that address these critical needs.
