Nebraskans push for more childcare in rural areas

Nebraskan leaders came together to discuss the importance of childcare and education in rural areas.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Nebraskan leaders came together to discuss the importance of childcare and education in rural areas.

“It needs funding it needs support and at the end of the day we’ll get a great return on our investment by doing that, said Sheriff Neil Miller with the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department in Kearney.

The Council For A Strong America gathered local officials like bank owners, law enforcement, and more for a webinar this week. They all shared their view of how childcare affects many facets of the rural Nebraskan economy.

Sheriff Miller remembers a time when the lack of childcare caused a couple to choose between the job and their family.

“24 hours a day, you have to have coverage 365 days a year,” said Miller. “So we have to have someone on day shift, night shift, and without good quality childcare, those parents are forced to make a difficult decision. Do I stay home or do I go to work? Or do I stay home and take care of my kids?”

Miller says child daycare also helps children go on to do better in school, decreasing the number of kids who wind up being involved in criminal activities.