State Rep. Bill Roemer | The Ohio House of Representatives
State Rep. Bill Roemer | The Ohio House of Representatives
COLUMBUS – State Representatives Andrea White (R-Kettering) and Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) have introduced legislation aimed at addressing the child care crisis in Ohio by promoting public-private partnerships. The proposed legislation seeks to increase access to on-site and near-site child care for Ohio families and employers through the creation of a new state grant fund and training initiatives.
White emphasized the importance of supporting the workforce through innovative child care solutions, stating, "Our goal is to support our workforce by helping employers and community partners develop innovative, affordable, locally-tailored child care solutions in communities across Ohio." She highlighted the challenges posed by the current child care crisis in Ohio and its impact on businesses and economic growth.
Roemer echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need to make child care affordable to prevent workforce shortages. He stated, "We are diligently working to create a space where families can afford child care without leaving the workforce altogether." Roemer underscored the importance of maintaining Ohio's business-friendly environment by establishing affordable on-site and near-site child care facilities.
The proposed legislation includes the allocation of over $10 million for Public-Private Partnership Child Care Grants and the establishment of an Employer-Based Design Learning Lab to enhance child care capacity near businesses and work sites. The initiative will be administered by the Department of Children and Youth, in collaboration with JobsOhio and the Department of Development.
The legislation was developed in response to the findings of the Study Committee on Ohio’s Publicly Funded Child Care and Step-Up to Quality Program. The report highlighted the urgent need for quality, affordable child care to address workforce shortages in communities across Ohio.
The bill is currently awaiting a bill number and committee assignment as White and Roemer continue their efforts to tackle the child care crisis in Ohio.
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