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NC governor appeals for long-term federal investment in quality child care

Some corporations are opening up their doors to providing more support for child care.
Evgeniia Siiankovskaia
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Getty Images
North Carolina’s governor has asked the state’s congressional delegation to prioritize long-term recurring federal investment in quality child care.

North Carolina’s governor has asked the state’s congressional delegation to prioritize long-term recurring federal investment in quality child care.

Governor Roy Cooper said the child care industry is facing enormous challenges finding teachers and keeping their doors open, and quality child care is critical for supporting children’s education while making it possible for parents to work.

Congress provided one-time funding for child care during the pandemic, but as it ends, Cooper said the need for recurring investment in child care is urgent.

“Quality child care is critical for supporting children’s education while making it possible for parents to work,” said Governor Cooper. “We know that the child care industry is facing enormous challenges finding teachers and keeping their doors open, so Congress must invest significantly to protect our children, our economy and our workforce.”

As of 2021, North Carolina had 3,120 fewer child care workers than it would have if pre-pandemic employment trends had continued.

Almost half of all working parents say the number of hours they can work has been compromised by lack of child care options, and one-fifth say they have had to leave the labor market entirely.

A recent study estimated that the child care crisis costs North Carolina $3.5 billion each year in lost earnings, productivity, and revenue.

Read Governor Cooper’s letter HERE.

Annette is originally a Midwest gal, born and raised in Michigan, but with career stops in many surrounding states, the Pacific Northwest, and various parts of the southeast. She has been involved in the media industry in eastern North Carolina for more than three years. An award-winning journalist and mother of four, Annette moved to ENC to be closer to family – in particular, her two young grandchildren. It’s possible that a -27 day with a -68 windchill in Minnesota may have also played a role in that decision. In her spare time, Annette does a lot of toddler and baby cuddling, reading, designing costumes for children’s theater and producing the coolest Halloween costumes anyone has ever seen. She has also worked as a diversity and inclusion facilitator serving school districts and large corporations. It’s the people that make this beautiful area special, and she wants to share those stories that touch the hearts of others. If you have a story idea to share, please reach out by email to westona@cravencc.edu.