Reps. Sweeney, Isaacsohn Provide Sponsor Testimony to Expand Access to Affordable Childcare in Ohio

COLUMBUS – State Reps. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Westlake) and Dani Isaacsohn (D-Cincinnati) today provided sponsor testimony on House Bill (HB) 570 to the House Finance Committee. Under HB 570, child care workers will automatically qualify for publicly funded childcare, ensuring more Ohio families have access to affordable childcare by incentivizing providers to join or stay in the child care workforce. 

Kentucky implemented a similar program in 2022, making all child care employees eligible for free childcare for their kids. In the program’s first year, more than 3K parents participated in the program, benefiting more than 5K kids. On average, eight childcare slots were added for each new child care staff member added under the program.

“We have to do more to make Ohio a better place to start and raise a family. This is a pro-family bill that would do just that,” said Rep. Isaacsohn. “We have a child care crisis, and we owe it to parents and children across this state to do better.”

HB 570 would provide critical support for child care facilities across the state that have been struggling for years to recruit and retain staff. Since 2019, Ohio has reported record low numbers of child care staff, with employment levels in this field falling by 26%. During this time, the state lost 997 child care programs which accounts for 11% of all of Ohio’s child care programs. As a result, the cost of childcare has increased by 25% since 2019, leaving families to choose between dedicating a greater portion of their income to child care costs or leaving the workforce to stay home with their kids.

“Ohio’s child care system is in crisis. I have heard from countless child care professionals across Ohio who are struggling to keep their doors open because they can’t afford to keep pace with rising wages and can’t keep qualified staff,” said Rep. Sweeney. “Despite being classified as essential workers alongside hospital staff and first responders during the Covid-19 pandemic, child care professionals still face low wages and limited benefits. HB 570 recognizes the vital role child care providers play in a thriving economy while also expanding access to affordable childcare in Ohio.”

HB 570 now awaits proponent testimony in the House Finance Committee.