Nebraskans can weigh in on proposal to help add more child care workers

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — You can weigh in on Nebraska’s child care crisis on Friday.

There’s a hearing scheduled at the State Capital on Friday to discuss a proposal to help recruit more child care workers to Nebraska. 

Sen. John Fredrickson’s proposal is looking to attract more workers in the industry by providing them with free child care for their own children.

LB 856 would have Nebraska participate in the federal Childcare Assistance Program. The proposal bill’s goal is to increase access to childcare for all state workers, which is a critical issue right now.

In a recent report by the non-profit “We Care for Kids,” nearly one-third of Nebraskans with children under the age of 5 said they left the workforce because they couldn’t afford childcare. 

This is hurting the economy, according to a separate report by First Five Nebraska. It said the childcare crisis is costing Nebraska $745 million in lost revenue.

Friday’s hearing is at the State Capital at 1:30 p.m. in room 1510 if you want to have your voice heard.