(INDIANAPOLIS) — The Indiana Chamber of Commerce says today’s announcement from the Governor and Family and Social Services Administration on grant awards for employer-sponsored childcare is a welcome boost.
From Jason Bearce, Indiana Chamber vice president of education and workforce development:
“A lack of quality and affordable childcare is what Hoosier employers have consistently told us is now their top external workforce barrier because of the negative impact on worker participation. It’s a statewide infrastructure challenge that also has significant implications for student learning and economic development.
“The state’s employer childcare grants are set to make a real difference in many communities across Indiana by giving Hoosier families much needed options. We are thrilled that more than 60 grant applications were approved in this first round. This will give parents in these locations greater peace of mind and enable some to re-enter the workforce.
“The Indiana Chamber was happy to partner with the state to engage employers and local chambers about the program and will continue to prioritize additional legislative efforts and public-private partnerships around affordable childcare.”
Awardees can use the funding to support employees’ childcare needs in a variety of ways, including sponsoring dependent care assistance plans, providing on-site or near-site childcare or offering childcare tuition benefits.
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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.”
