(INDIANAPOLIS) — The Indiana Chamber of Commerce applauds Governor Mike Braun’s announcement this morning to invest $200 million to expand affordable childcare via the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) vouchers. The State Budget Committee will review the Governor’s decision later this week.
Indiana Chamber President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders remarks on what this action means for Indiana’s economy, employers and families:
“This infusion represents approximately five times the current funding level and positions Indiana as a national model. It’s game changing, pro-family, pro-workforce and will help Indiana compete and win. It will expand access to CCDF vouchers for eligible families and help more Hoosiers enter or stay in the workforce – and support employers who need reliable, ready workers.
“While today is certainly news to celebrate, we also want to be clear about the stakes. Due to childcare issues, Indiana misses an estimated $4.2 billion annually for the state’s economy, including over a billion dollar annual loss in tax revenue. When we released a childcare report in late 2024, it found that 40% of parents who experienced childcare disruptions in the prior year reported leaving the workforce as a direct result of those challenges.
“That’s why childcare will remain a top priority. In our Indiana Prosperity 2035 roadmap, we call for bold, practical steps that expand workforce participation, strengthen our talent pipeline and improve quality of place – and dependable childcare is central to that vision. Today’s announcement from the Governor moves that vision from plan to progress for working parents, communities and employers across Indiana.
“This jumpstart was made possible because lawmakers – led by Sen. Ryan Mishler – took action in 2026 to expand CCDF funding sources.
“We look forward to working with the General Assembly and Governor alongside other stakeholders to build a sustainable funding model that keeps this momentum going year after year.”
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The Indiana Chamber partners with 25,000 members and investors – representing over four million Hoosiers – to achieve the mission of “cultivating a world-class environment which provides economic opportunity and prosperity.”
