At the end of September, another pandemic-era benefit came to an end: $24 billion in federal funding for affordable childcare. While the grant money is gone, the urgent need for childcare and childcare workers continues.
According to the Century Foundation, this financial gap is expected to lead to almost 82,000 kids in Georgia losing access to childcare, almost 1,000 programs in Georgia closing, and Georgia parents losing $218 million in wages to cut their hours or leave the workforce.
On Friday’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” Georgia State Representative Lisa Campbell warned about the so-called childcare cliff. She said the state’s funding to assist daycare centers with start-up costs hasn’t changed since the early 1980’s.
She added the growing cost of starting a business, plus certifications, security, and physical expenses quickly costs more than the $8,000 offered by the state.
“And as we think about Georgia in terms of our approach, we have a leadership, governor who continuously talks about Georgia as the #1 place for business,” said Campbell.
