[♪♪] GOOD EVENING.

WELCOME TO KENTUCKY TONIGHT.

I'M RENEE SHAW.

THANKS FOR JOINING US.

OUR TOPIC TONIGHT: EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION.

KENTUCKY'S FRAGILE CHILDCARE SYSTEM WAS AT RISK OF COLLAPSE BEFORE THE COVID PANDEMIC WORSENED STAFFING AND WORKFORCE DEMANDS.

FEDERAL PANDEMIC-ERA STABILIZATION PAYMENTS HAVE KEPT THE DOORS OPEN FOR MANY CHILDCARE CENTERS IN KENTUCKY, BUT AS THEY FACE THE LOSS OF THAT SUPPORT LATER THIS FALL...MANY ARE BRACING FOR TUITION HIKES, WAGE CUTS AND CLOSURES UNLESS THE STATE STEPS IN.

KENTUCKY LAWMAKERS ARE NOW CONSIDERING SENATE BILL 203 — THE HORIZONS ACT — WHICH WOULD SPEND 300 MILLION DOLLARS, OVER TWO YEARS, TO RESCUE THE CHILD CARE INDUSTRY IN KENTUCKY BY IMPROVING ACCESS, COSTS, AND ADDRESSING WORKFORCE ISSUES.

AND WHAT’S THE FUTURE OF THE GOVERNOR’S UNIVERSAL PRE-K PLAN?

TO DISCUSS ALL THIS, WE ARE JOINED BY THE SPONSOR OF THE HORIZONS ACT: STATE SENATOR DANNY CARROLL, A REPUBLICAN FROM BENTON, AND CHAIR OF THE SENATE FAMILIES AND CHILDREN COMMITTEE; STATE SENATOR CASSIE CHAMBERS ARMSTRONG, A DEMOCRAT FROM LOUISVILLE, AND A MEMBER OF THAT COMMITTEE.

KATE SHANKS, VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT THE KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; SARAH VANOVER, AUTHOR OF “AMERICA’S CHILD-CARE CRISIS: RETHINKING AN ESSENTIAL BUSINESS,” AND POLICY AND RESEARCH DIRECTOR FOR KENTUCKY YOUTH ADVOCATES; ANDREW MCNEILL, PRESIDENT OF KENTUCKY FORUM FOR RIGHTS, ECONOMICS, AND EDUCATION; AND BRIGITTE BLOM, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE PRICHARD COMMITTEE FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.

SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS BY X — FORMERLY TWITTER -- AT K-Y TONIGHT K-E-T.

SEND AN EMAIL TO K-Y TONIGHT AT K-E-T DOT O-R-G. OR USE THE WEB FORM AT K-E-T DOT O-R-G SLASH K-Y TONIGHT.

OR YOU CAN CALL 1-800-494-7605.

WELCOME TO OUR GUESTS.

WE HAVE EGOT A FULL HOUSE TONIGHT BECAUSE IT IS SUCH AN IMPORTANT TOPIC AND A LOT OF STAKEHOLDER OPINIONS ABOUT THIS ISSUE.

I WANT TO GO TO YOU Dr. VANOVER YOU HAVE A BOOK OUT A SEQUEL TO THE AMERICA'S CHILDCARE CRISIS FOR THE VIEWERS WHO HAVE NOT BEEN FOLLOWING THIS ISSUE AS MUCH AS ALL SIX OF YOU TONIGHT, HOW DIRE IS THE SITUATION?

AND ARE CHILDCARE CENTERS IN KENTUCKY FACING CLOSURES LAYING OFF STAFF?

WHAT DOES IT REALLY LOOK LIKE?

>> WE WERE GIVEN A LARGE POOL OF MONEY DURING THE PANDEMIC TO KEEP OUR CHILDCARE CENTERS AFLOAT.

CHILDCARE PROGRAMS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN FRAGILE THIS IS NOT AN INDUSTRY THAT MAKES MONEY.

THE GOAL OF CHILDCARE IS TO BREAK EVEN SO YOU CAN PAY YOUR STAFF AND WORK WITH THE YOUNG CHILDREN.

BUT MANY OF THEM LOSE MONEY.

WE HAD AN INFUSION OF FEDERAL FUNDS DURING THE PANDEMIC TWO-THIRDS THAT HAVE WAS PUT TOWARDS STABILIZATION PAYMENTS THAT ALLOWED WORKERS TO INCREASE WAGES DUE TO THE SHARP INFLATION CREATED AND THEN ALSO TO HELP WITH FIXED BENEFITS.

THAT MONEY IS NOW GONE.

IT ENDED SEPTEMBER 30TH OF THIS PAST YEAR.

WE HAVE A THIRD LEFT THAT HAS GONE TO SUPPORT PROGRAMS LIKE THE CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND OTHER MORE FLEXIBLE PROGRAMS THAT ENDS THIS COMING SEPTEMBER.

WITH THOSE FUNDS GONE MANY CHILDCARE PROGRAMS ARE BACK TO THE FULL ENROLLMENT IF THEY CAN FIND THE STAFF.

HOWEVER CAN ONLY CHARGE WHAT PARENTS CAN PAY.

IF PARENTS DIDN'T PAY ASTRONOMICAL AMOUNTS THEY CANNOT BREAK EVEN.

BACK TO A POINT WHERE CHILDCARE IS REVERTING IN TO THE WAGES THEY HAD BEFORE THE PANDEMIC.

HOWEVER, RETAIL AND HOSPITALITY HAVE INCREASED WAGES DRAMATICALLY AND CHILDCARE CAN'T COMPETE AT $12.39 AN HOUR WHICH IS THE AVERAGE WAGE IN KENTUCKY.

EVEN FOR VETERAN CHILDCARE PROVIDERS.

WE'RE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT CAN WE KEEP OUR DOORS OPEN IF WE CHARGE PARENTS MORE.

HOW MUCH CAN WE CHARGE PARENTS BEFORE THEY DROPOUT OF THE WORKFORCE?

IF WE REVERT OUR WAGES DOWN WILL STAFF LEAVE?

CAN WE KEEP ENOUGH STAFF?

CAN NEW STAFF GET LOWER WAGES OR IS IT NOT WORTH IT DO I CLOSE MY DOORS BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW IF I WILL BE ABLE TO CARE FOR THE CHILDREN I NEED TO AND STILL BE ABLE TO PAY OUR BILLS.

AND INITIALLY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE PANDEMIC WE HAD NATIONAL ESTIMATES THAT SHOWED UP TO 40% OF CHILDCARE PROGRAMS COULD CLOSE.

KENTUCKY MADE IT THROUGH LOSING LESS THAN 9% OF OUR PROGRAMS COMPARED TO OTHER STATES WAS AMAZING.

BUT NOW WE'RE BACK TO THE SAME POINT AGAIN AND MANY CENTERS HAVE TOLD US THEIR SURVEY DATA THAT THEY ARE BACK TO THAT POINT DO I LAYOFF STAFF?

DO I REDUCE WAGES?

DO I DOUBLE THE TUITION FOR FAMILIES?

OR DO I JUST CLOSE.

>> Renee: CHAIRMAN CARROLL THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.

DOES YOUR BILL SENATE BILL 203 THE HORIZON'S ACT ANSWER ALL OF THOSE CONCERNS AND WORRIES COMING FROM EARLY CHILDCARE PROVIDERS?

>> I THINK IT DOES, RENEE.

TO WHAT LEVEL, IS YET TO BE DETERMINED.

AND THE BILL TRIES TO ADDRESS ALL ASPECTS OF THIS AND TRYING TO GROW PROVIDERS IN DIFFERENT AREAS.

AND WE HAVE A FUND IN THE GRANTOR IN THE BILL A GRANT FOR INNOVATIONS AND THESE ARE FOR NEW IDEAS IN DELIVERY.

WE'VE SET ASIDE FUNDING FOR THAT.

WE'VE SET ASIDE FUNDING FOR TRADITIONAL CENTERS THE FAMILY EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION HOMES GRANT FUNDING FOR THEM.

AND WE SETUP A PROGRAM LIKE SEEK DOLLARS FOR K-12.

CALLED THE FOUNDATION'S FUND.

AND IT'S BASED ON A PER CHILD ALLOTMENT LOOKING AT THE ENROLLMENT THROUGHOUT THE STATE AND WHATEVER MONEY WE END UP IN THAT POT WE WILL DIVIDE THAT INTO TWO SEMIANNUAL INSTALLMENTS AND HOPEFULLY THAT WILL HELP THE CENTERS KEEP THEIR DOORS OPEN AND FOSTER GROWTH OF NEW CENTERS.

>> Renee: AN ASSOCIATES DEGREE CAN BE AVAILABLE?

>> ASSOCIATEIATES DEGREE IN CHANGES.

IT WILL BE PART OF THE WORK READY SCHOLARSHIP I WAS EXCITED TO WHEN I CONTACTED Dr. QUARRELS HIS STAFF WAS ON THE BOARD FOR A MINUTE I SPOKE ON THE PHONE.

THIS WILL GROW ENTREPRENEURS AND GIVE THE STUDENTS SKILLS TO OPEN UP THEIR CENTER AND OPERATE IT GOES FROM AHZ IN OPENING A CENTER, OPERATING IT.

TEACHING ALL OF THOSE THINGS ARE PART OF THIS DEGREE AND WE'RE EXCITED ABOUT THAT.

>> Renee: HOW DO YOU ARRIVE AT THE $300 MILLION NUMBER WHICH IS NOT ATTACHED TO THE BILL.

>> .

>> SWINGING FOR THE FENCE.

THIS ISSUE IS SO IMPORTANT TO OUR STATE TO OUR FAMILIES TO OUR KIDS TO OUR ECONOMY, TO THE SAFETY OF OUR CHILDREN, YOU NAME IT, THIS IMPACTS THAT AND IT'S WORTH EVERY CENT OF THAT INVESTMENT.

AND IT IS A GOOD NUMBER TO START WITH.

AND WE WILL LEARN AS YEARS GO BY WHERE WE CAN BEST INVEST.

EVERY DOLLAR THAT WE SPEND.

BUT IT IS A START.

AND THAT'S WHAT WE'VE GOT TO DO IS MAKE THAT START AND STOP LOOKING AT K-12.

IT'S GOING TO BE BIRTH-12.

>> Renee: AND PROFESSIONALIZING THE FIELD OF CHANGES YOU MADE YOUR REMARKS IN COMMITTEE YOU TALKED ABOUT HOW THIS IS NOT BABYSITTING NOT USING CHILDCARE OR DAYCARE, IT'S EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO CHANGE THE LANGUAGE?

>> WITH THOSE WORDS IT IS AN AFTERTHOUGHT SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS WHILE MOM AND DAD CAN WORK.

AND NOT THINKING ABOUT THE KIDS.

AND WE KNOW KIDS START LEARNING AT BIRTH.

WE KNOW 85-90% OF THEIR BRAIN DEVELOPS IN THE FIRST FIVE YEARS OF THEIR LIFE.

WHAT ARE WE MISSING?

WE INVEST $7 BILLION EVERY YEAR OUT OF OUR GENERAL FUND TOWARDS EDUCATION.

BUT, YET, WE INVEST DOLLARS FOR EACH CHILD IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION.

WHAT DIVIDENDS COULD THAT PAY IN THE CAREER THE EDUCATION AT CAREER OF A STUDENT BETTER PREPARING THEM SUCCESS IN THE LONG-RUN.

THE DATA IS THERE.

THE STACKS ARE THERE.

STATISTICS ARE THERE TO SHOW IT'S WORTH THE INVESTMENT AND THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS WHERE TEACHERS HAVE BEEN DEVELOPING THEY ARE NOT BABYSITTERS.

WE HAVE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THEM TO GET THEIR CDA AND GET THEIR DIRECTOR'S CREDENTIALS TS A PROFESSION AND WE'RE TREATING THEM THAT WAY NOW.

AND WE'VE BEEN DOING THIS FOR YEARS.

>> Renee: Mr. McNEILL YOU ARE NOT IN FAVOR OF THIS MEASURE, CORRECT?

AND WHY?

>> SO RENEE I WOULD LIKE TO START OUT BY SAYING I DON'T DISAGREE THAT HIGH QUALITY DAYCARE, HIGH QUALITY CHILDCARE CAN BENEFIT YOUNG CHILDREN.

MY DAUGHTER ATTENDED TWO, THREE-STAR PROGRAMS PRIOR TO JOINING KINDERGARTEN.

AND IT WAS A GREAT FOUNDATION FOR HER LEARNING.

WHERE I DO DISAGREE IS COMMITTING $300 MILLION TO A PROGRAM THAT IS ARRIVING RELATIVELY LATE IN THE SESSION.

THERE'S 20 DAYS, 20 LEGISLATIVE DAYS THAT REMAIN.

AND WILL REQUIRE A SERIOUS COMMITMENT OF TAXPAYER RESOURCES.

I APPRECIATE WHAT Dr. VANOVER SHARED IN TERMS HOW WE'VE REACHED THIS POINT IN THAT THE FEDERAL DOLLARS WERE PROVIDED DURING THE PANDEMIC EMERGENCY.

IT WOULD BE HARD-PRESSED TO FIND ANY FAULT WITH THE FACT THAT THOSE DOLLARS WERE NECESSARY TO KEEP THESE CENTERS OPEN AND VIABLE VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY WERE BENEFITING FROM FEDERAL SUPPORTS GIVEN WHAT THE RESTRICTIONS PLACED ON BUSINESSES.

THE FEDERAL PANDEMIC EMERGENCY OR THE STATE PANDEMIC EMERGENCY HAS BEEN OVER FOR ALMOST THREE YEARS NOW.

THESE PAYMENTS HAVE CONTINUED.

THESE PROVIDERS HAVE BENEFITED FROM THOSE PAYMENTS.

IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT IN PRESIDENT BIDEN'S BUILD BACK BETTER LEGISLATION ON THE FEDERAL LEVEL A CONTINUATION OF THESE FEDERAL PAYMENTS WERE CONTEMPLATED AND NOT INCLUDED.

SO THIS DISCUSSION OF A FISCAL OR FUNDING CLIFF FOR THESE CENTERS IT'S BEEN ON THE ROADMAP NOW FOR SEVERAL YEARS.

AND THERE COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER PLANNING AND BETTER PREPARATION COMING TO THE LEGISLATURE AND THE TAXPAYER QUITE FRANKLY AT THIS POINT TO ASK FOR A CONTINUATION OF SUPPORTS THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS PULLED BACK ON.

I THINK IS A MISGUIDE ADD APPROACH.

>> Renee: SENATOR CHAMBERS ARMSTRONG ABOUT YOUR SUPPORT YOU VOICED SUPPORT DURING THE COMMITTEE HEARING AND TELL YOU WHAT YOU SAID THEN?

>> WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT CHILD AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION I THINK OF IT AS A MOM OF A THREE AND FOUR-YEAR-OLD.

AND I KNOW FIRSTHAND THERE IS A SHORTAGE IN CLINTON ADMINISTRATION AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND OUR GOVERNMENT ABSOLUTELY HAS TO ACT TO ADDRESS IT.

WE DO NOT HAVE THE OPTION NOT TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS.

THIS IS A CRISIS.

IT IS HERE AND WE HAVE TO ACT.

PERSONALLY I BELIEVE THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WE CAN DO IS PASS A PUBLIC UNIVERSAL PRE-K PROGRAM FOR FOUR-YEAR-OLDS.

STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT THAT IS THE BEST WAY TO MAKE SURE OUR KIDS ARE READY FOR KINDERGARTEN AND THE BEST WAY TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERY KID ACROSS KENTUCKY BENEFITS EQUALLY FROM OUR INVESTMENTS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION.

THAT SAID, I BELIEVE THERE IS A ROLE FOR PUBLIC REK THAT LIVES ALONGSIDE THE HORIZON'S ACT.

AND WE HAVE TO MAKE THE INVESTMENTS NOW.

THIS SECTOR IS IN CRISIS AND WE HAVE TO ACT NOW TO STABILIZE IT AND MY CONGRATULATIONS TO SENATOR CARROLL FOR A THOUGHTFUL BILL THAT ADDRESSES A LOT OF THE NEEDS THAT WE ARE SEEING AT THIS VERY 0 MOMENT.

>> Renee: BEFORE I ENGAGE THE OTHER TWO, SENATOR CARROLL DO YOU EMBRACE UNIVERSAL PRE-K ALONGSIDE THE HORIZON'S ACT?

>> I EMBRACE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FOR ALL KIDS AND WE SAY UNIVERSAL THERE IS THE PUBLIC MODEL AND THEN THERE IS THE ALL THE ABOVE MODEL.

AND I FEEL LIKE WE NEED TO USE THE ASSETS WE'VE GOT.

SHOULD WE HAVE PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS WITH SCHOOLS PARTNERING WITH PRIVATE SITTERS?

ABSOLUTELY.

THAT IS ONE OF THE MODELS THAT WILL WORK THIS BILL ALLOWS FUNDING UNDER CERTAIN SITUATIONS FOR THAT TO HAPPEN.

SO WE HAD THE INFRASTRUCTURE IN PLACE.

WE IF WE INVEST IN IT PROPERLY THESE NUMBERS WILL GROW.

WE HAVE QUALITY IN THE KENTUCKY ALL-STARS THAT HAS BEEN IN PLACE FOR MANY, MANY YEARS.

>> Renee: A RATING SYSTEM.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

IT IS IDENTICAL TO THE WAY OUR SCHOOLS ARE SETUP.

WE HAVE GRADES, WE HAVE CURRICULUM.

WE HAVE TESTING.

IT'S JUST LIKE A SCHOOL.

AND WE INVEST IN OUR SCHOOL-AGE K-12, WHY WOULD NOT PIANO NOT INVEST IN OUR YOUNGEST STUDENTS.

>> Renee: AND YOU ARE PROPOSING DOWN THE ROAD THERE WOULD BE A DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND A COMMISSIONER THIS IS A DIFFERENT I HATE TO USE THE TERM LEVEL OF BUREAUCRACY?

>> IT IS IT IS AN EXPANSION BUT THAT IS THE LEVEL OF IMPORTANCE WE NEED TO PUT ON THIS ISSUE.

FOR US TO DO THAT, I THINK THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE EMPHASIS IN KIND OF BRINGING TOGETHER ALL THE DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS, DIVISIONS THAT DEAL WITH EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND PUT THEM UNDER ONE UMBRELLA.

I THINK WE CAN BE MORE SUCCESSFUL AS WE MOVE FORWARD IN PUTTING TOGETHER DATA, RESEARCH, ALL THE THINGS WE NEED TO DO FOR OUR FAMILIES IN OUR STATE.

AND AGAIN, IT GOES BEYOND THE KIDS.

IT'S THE ECONOMY.

WORKFORCE.

THERE IS A LOT OF OF OF ISSUES INVOLVED.

>> Renee: AND BRING IN KATE SHANKS WERE THE CHAMBER CHARLOTTE ALL MADE THE ECONOMIC SENSE.

>> WE ARE VERY MUCH INTERESTED IN THE ISSUE BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT IT HAS ON WORKFORCE.

WE CARE ABOUT THE YOUNGEST KENTUCKIANS IN OUR STATE AND PREPARING THEM THROUGH EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION THAT IS IMPORTANT AS WELL.

BUT WE HAVE A SHORT-TERM ISSUE THAT WE ARE DEALING WITH.

AND I AGREE WITH WHAT ANDREW SAID THIS IS YEARS IN THE MAKING.

AND WE'RE HERE NOW.

WE HAVE TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM OR WE HAVE TO TAKE STEPS TOWARDS SOLVING THIS PROBLEM.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT KENTUCKY'S WORKFORCE CHALLENGES I HAVE BEEN ON THE SHOW SEVERAL TIMES I DON'T THINK YOU WILL STOP ME FROM TALKING ABOUT WORKFORCE BECAUSE IT IS A STUBBORN DIFFICULT PROBLEM THAT WE HAVE IN KENTUCKY.

AND I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH THAT IF WE'RE GOING TO TALK ABOUT ECONOMIC GROWTH AND REACHING OUR TRUE ECONOMIC POTENTIAL WE HAVE TO GET PEOPLE TO WORK.

WE HAVE TO KEEP PEOPLE AT WORK.

WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT OUR ECONOMY, IT'S LIKE TWO SIDES OF AN EQUATION.

YOU CREATE THE JOBS AND YOU HAVE THE PEOPLE TO FILL THE JOBS.

AND THERE IS A DIRECT RELATIONSHIP TO CHILDCARE AVAILABILITY AND AFFORDABILITY AND WORKFORCE.

IF YOU DON'T HAVE CHILDCARE WHAT IS YOUR ALTERNATIVE?

IT'S NOT GOING TO WORK.

NOT GOING TO A JOB.

NOT BEING ABLE TO KEEP A JOB.

AND THAT'S OUR PRIMARY CONCERN.

AND WE ARE DOWN AROUND 43,000 WORKERS FROM THE END OF 2019.

DESPITE WORK DONE AROUND WORKFORCE WE ARE STILL LOSING PEOPLE FROM THE WORKFORCE.

>> Renee: AND THAT IS PRIME AGE WORKERS?

>> YES.

SOME PEOPLE ARE DROPPING -- RETIRE THEY ARE AGING OUT OF THE WORKFORCE WE NEED TO BRING NEW PEOPLE INTO THE WORKFORCE.

BUT WHEN WE LOOK AT OUR ADVOCACY WORK AROUND THIS ISSUE IT'S ABOUT RETAINING THE WORKERS AND MAKING SURE THAT PEOPLE WHO HAVE CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE NOW AREN'T GOING TO LOSE IT WHEN THE FUNDS RUN OUT IN SEPTEMBER THAT OUR CHILDCARE WORKERS AREN'T GOING TO LEAVE THEIR JOBS FOR A BETTER PAYING JOB AND SO MANY OTHER EMPLOYERS.

SO WE'RE VERY MUCH COMMITTED TO ADVOCATING FOR THIS BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO BE BACK A YEAR FROM NOW AND SAYING THAT 43,000 NOW WE'RE AT 55,000.

AS WE SEE OUR ECONOMY EXPAND ON THE JOB SIDE WE HAVE TO BE FILLING THOSE JOBS.

WE SUPPORT CHILDCARE IN THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION AND SUPPORT MAKING THE INVESTMENTS AND WE ARE SUPPORTING WORKING FAMILIES AND DOING THAT OUR WORKFORCE AND OUR ECONOMY.

>> Renee: YOU ARE WITH THE PITCH ARD COMMITTEE AND THIS IS THE BOLD ASK FOR HOW LONG NOW EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION?

>> EVERY BUDGET SESSION FOR THE BIG BOLD ASK.

>> Renee: HOW DO YOU WEIGH-IN ON THIS PARTICULAR MEASURE SENATE BILL 203?

>> WE'RE INCREDIBLY SUPPORTIVE OF WHAT SENATOR CARROLL HAS PUT FORTH.

AND AS HE AND Dr. VANOVER HAVE DESCRIBED THIS IS ABOUT STABILIZING THE CHILDCARE SECTOR AND THINKING NEW ABOUT HOW WE ENSURE INCREASED CHILDCARE IN THE STATE.

AND BOTH PARTS ARE REALLY IMPORTANT.

THE STABILIZATION SO THAT TUITION COSTS DON'T GO UP.

AND THAT CHILDCARE WORKERS ARE NOT GOING TO HAVE TO FIND OTHER JOBS BECAUSE THEIR WAGES GO DOWN.

AND ALSO A LONG-RANGE PLAN IS IMPORTANT.

YOU CAN SEE THAT IN SENATOR CARROLL'S BILL.

WHEN HE SAYS SWINGING FOR THE FENCES I LOVE THAT ANALOGY.

MY TEAM AT THE PRITCHARD COMMITTEE WILL TELL YOU I'M TERRIBLE ABOUT MIXING UP SPORTS ANALOGIES I APPRECIATE THAT ONE.

BUT THE SWINGING FOR THE FENCES THIS IS A TIME FOR A HOME RUN ON HERBAL CHILDHOOD AND IT'S NOT GOING TO WIN THE WORLD SERIES FOR US BUT IT IS AN IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD.

SWINGING FOR THE FENCES, HITTING A HOME RUN, NOW IS THE TIME FOR SOME DEEP INVESTMENT IN CHILDCARE TO STABILIZE AND TO ENSURE THAT CONDITIONS ARE CREATED FOR CHILDCARE TO TAKE ROOT ACROSS THE STATE.

>> Renee: AND YOU ARE FOR UNIVERSAL PRE-K?

>> YEP.

79 OF KENTUCKY 120 COUNTIES ARE CONSIDERED CHILDCARE DESERTS MORE CHILDREN THAT NEED CARE MORE FAMILIES THAT NEED CHILDCARE THAN THERE ARE SLOTS.

SO WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING THAT CREATES THE CONDITIONS FOR THE SMALL BUSINESS OFTEN WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS TO TAKE ROOT IF IN OUR STATE AND SOME OF THE PROVISIONS IN THE BILL WILL DO THAT.

AS FAR AS UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL, WE ARE IN FAVOR OF UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL IF CHILDCARE IS PART OF THE DELIVERY MIX.

AND THAT'S AN IMPORTANT REALLY IMPORTANT CAVEAT.

IF WE DO IT ANY OTHER WAY, WHAT WE'LL FIND IS ANOTHER DEATH BLOW TO CHILDCARE.

SO CHILDCARE HAS TO BE PART OF THE PRESCHOOL DELIVERY MIX.

WHETHER IT'S PART OF UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL OR NOT.

WE WOULD VK FOR A LONG-RANGE PLAN MAKING SURE THAT PRESCHOOL DOLLARS FLOW TO HIGH QUALITY CHILDCARE CENTERS.

THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THOSE ENTREPRENEURIAL SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS THE QUALITY RATED ONES ARE ALREADY PROVIDING A PRESCHOOL LEVEL DEVELOPMENT SPACE FOR YOUNGSTERS.

AND THEY ARE NOT BEING PAID FOR IT.

>> Renee: THIS COMES IN FROM A FELLOW COLLEAGUE IN THE OTHER CHAMBER THE LOWER CHAMBER STATE REPRESENTATIVE JESSYE RAYMOND SAID LOUISVILLE'S MAYOR PROPOSED A UNIVERSAL PRE-K PROGRAM IF THERE IS NO APPETITE TO INTERVENE STATE-WIDE WHY DOESN'T THE LEGISLATURE FUND THAT PROGRAM AND USE IT AS A PILOT TO SEE WHAT WORKS BEST?

>> WE YET TO BE DETERMINED WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN WITH THIS BILL.

I THINK WE HAVE TO LOOK AT ALL THE APPROACHES AND WHAT IS GOING TO WORK AND WE'VE GOT TO FIND A PLAN FOR THE AND TIRE STATE NOT JUST FOR LOUISVILLE.

AND THAT'S THE GOAL OF THIS BILL.

AND YOU KNOW, AGAIN, THE INNOVATIONS GRANT IS PART OF THIS BILL WHERE WE'RE LOOKING FOR NEW MODELS.

IT WILL TAKE EVERY IDEA THAT WE CAN COME UP WITH TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM AND IF LOUISVILLE HAS PROGRAMS SETUP THAT WORK FOR THEM, I'M OKAY WITH THAT.

>> Renee: SENATOR YOU ARE FROM JEFFERSON COUNTY, WHAT SAY YOU?

>> I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT WE GIVE COMMUNITIES THE TOOLS THEY NEED TO MEET THE NEEDS IN THEIR COMMUNITY.

LOUISVILLE, I THINK, CAN EXPERIMENT FIGURE OUT WHAT WORKS AND BRING ALL THE RESOURCES THAT IT CAN BRING TO BEAR ON THIS PROBLEM.

LOCAL AND STATE DOLLARS IT IS A GOOD IDEA.

I LOVE TALKING ABOUT INNOVATION BECAUSE THIS IS A SPACE WHERE IT'S NEEDED.

SO BADLY.

WE LOOK AT ALL THE DIFFERENT NEEDS OF DIFFERENT FAMILIES.

FAMILIES THAT MIGHT WORK SECOND OR THIRD SHIFT.

FAMILIES THAT MIGHT HAVE DIFFERENT NEEDS.

KIDS THAT HAVE DISABILITIES THEY NEED TO BE SERVED IN DIFFERENT SETTINGS.

THERE IS A LOT OF INNOVATION THAT WE CAN DO IN THE SPACE TO FIGURE OUT HOW WE MEET THE NEEDS OF FAMILIES AND MEET THE NEEDS OF KIDS AND HOW WE'RE SETTING UP EVERY CHILD IN OUR COMMUNITY FOR SUCCESS.

>> I WOULD SAY THAT KENTUCKY HAS BEEN BLESSED IN THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS TO HAVE COME UP WITH INNOVATIVE IDEAS HOW WE ARE SUPPORTING OUR CHILDCARE FIELD.

KENTUCKY WAS THE FIRST STATE IN THE UNITED STATES TO IMPLEMENT A PROGRAM THAT EXCLUDED INCOME FOR CHILDCARE PROVIDERS FROM THE SEEK PROGRAM.

>> C CAP.

>> THE CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

>> IF YOU WORK IN A CHILDCARE PROGRAM 20 HOURS A WEEK YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE FOR YOUR CHILDREN.

MEANING THAT IF YOU ARE WORKING AT TARGET AND MAKING $15 AN HOUR AND THAT IS MORE THAN YOU WOULD MAKE IF A CHILDCARE PROGRAM YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE TO PAY CHILDCARE FOR YOUR CHILD WHAT.

DO YOU BRING HOME FROM THAT?

IF WE CAN ENTICE PEOPLE BACK TO THE CHILDCARE FIELD AND THEIR CHILDCARE TUITION FOR THEIR CHILDREN IS WAIVED THEN WE CAN SUPPORT THE WORKFORCE IN A WHOLE NEW WAY AND OUR RETURN ON INVESTMENT IS REALLY CLEAR WITH THAT.

FOREVER EVERY CHILDCARE PROVIDER WE BRING BACK THEY ARE WATCHING EIGHT TO 10 OTHER CHILDREN HELPING TO EDUCATE THEM AND CARE FOR THEM.

MORE WORKING FAMILIES ARE PARTICIPATING WITH EVERY CHILDCARE PROVIDER.

THESE INNOVATIONS THAT STARTED IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, ARE NEW IDEAS FOR KENTUCKY AND NEW IDEAS FOR NATIONWIDE.

AND WE'VE HAD OTHER STATES GO OUT AND DUPLICATE KENTUCKY'S POLICIES BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE IT WORKED IT IS A NO-BRAINER.

WHAT WE HAVE TO DO IS CONTINUE TO FUND THE NEW INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS AND KEEP THE PROGRESS WE'VE MADE.

HONESTLY, WHEN I TALK TO OTHER STATES ABOUT WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WHEN THE FUNDS RUN OUT?

THEY WANT TO KNOW WHAT KENTUCKY IS GOING TO DO.

BECAUSE KENTUCKY SET GREAT EXAMPLES.

>> Renee: AND OTHER STATES FAULTERED.

KANSAS IS ONE.

>> KANSAS, IDAHO, NORTH CAROLINA, STATES STRUGGLING BECAUSE WITH THE STABILIZATION PAYMENTS IN KENTUCKY WE SPACE THEM OUT OVER NINE PAYMENTS QUARTERLY TO HELP PEOPLE SAY IN THREE MORE AND I CAN STAY OPEN.

SOME OTHER STATES GAVE LIKE ONE LUMP SUM OR A COUPLE LUMP SUMS FRONT LOADED AND THEY'VE LOST THOSE FUNDING SOURCES NOW.

AND WE'RE SEEING STATES THAT HAVE HAD AMAZING EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION IN THE PAST LIKE NORTH CAROLINA THAT ARE LOSING PROGRAMS WEEKLY.

AND DESERT AREAS THEY'VE LOST HUNDREDS OF CHILDCARE SLOTS.

KANSAS LOST 43 CHILDCARE HOMES IN THREE MONTHS AFTER THE PAYMENTS WERE GONE.

IDAHO LOST 86 PROGRAMS IN THE FIRST YEAR WITHIN THE PAST YEAR WITH FUNDING DEPLETING.

AND WHAT WE DON'T WANT TO DO IS BE IN THOSE POSITIONS.

WE HAVE THE 79 COUNTIES THAT WERE CHILDCARE DESERTS BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE DON'T STEP UP AND DO SOMETHING TO KEEP OUR PROGRAMS OPEN?

WE'RE GOING TO HAVE LOTS OF FAMILIES THAT ARE FORCED TO MAKE HARD DECISIONS.

AND I CAN TELL YOU AS A WORKING MOM, I LOST AFTER SCHOOL CARE FOR MY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLERS FOR A FEW WEEKS DURING THE PANDEMIC.

IT WAS AT THE END OF THE PANDEMIC WE WERE TRYING TO GET MORE STAFF.

FOR THOSE THREE WEEKS MY SCHEDULE WAS ARRANGED AROUND THE KIDS.

HAD TO LEAVE WORK.

NOBODY WHO WORKS FULL-TIME GETS OFF AT 2:30.

I COULD NOT TAKE MEETINGS AFTER THAT.

AND SOMEBODY IN THE FAMILY HAS TO DECIDE OR A SINGLE PARENT IT AUTOMATICALLY FALLS ON YOU TO REARRANGE YOUR LIFE TO MEET THE NEEDS OF YOUR CHILDREN.

WHICH IS YOUR JOB AS A PARENT BUT WE HAVE THE JOB TO PROVIDE STABLE HOUSING, REGULAR FOOD SOURCES, HEALTH INSURANCE, STABLE TRANSPORTATION AND THOSE THINGS WILL COME WHEN OUR PARENTS ARE IN THE WORKFORCE AND THAT IS ONLY GOING TO HAPPEN IF THEY HAVE STABLE CHILDCARE.

>> Renee: Mr. McNEILL AT THE COMMITTEE MEETING LAST WEEK THERE WAS A NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHILDCARE PROVIDER WHO TESTIFIED IF SHE CLOSED IT WOULD IMPACT 80 FAMILIES, 25 TEACHERS OUT OF WORK AND 120 KIDS WOULD NOT HAVE CARE.

WHEN YOU HEAR THAT TYPE OF TESTIMONY AND YOU ARE NOT IN FAVOR OF SENATOR CARROLL'S BILL, WHAT IN YOUR MIND WOULD BE THE SOLUTION TO HELP THIS CHILDCARE PROVIDER STAY OPEN?

>> SHE SAID IF SHE DID HAVE TO CLOSE.

AND I DON'T KNOW THAT SHE REALLY WENT THROUGH THE RANGE OF OPTIONS IN EARN ITS OF MAKING THAT DECISION.

BUT SHE DIDN'T SAY WITHOUT THIS CONTINUED SUPPORT THAT THAT WAS NECESSARILY SOMETHING THAT WOULD HAPPEN.

LOOK, THERE ARE CHALLENGES FOR PARENTS FINDING CHILDCARE TODAY JUST AS THERE ARE CHALLENGES FOR PARENTS FINDING CHILDCARE 15 YEARS AGO WHEN MY DAUGHTER WAS OF THAT AGE.

IT'S A RITE OF PASSAGE FOR PARENTING TO GO THROUGH SOME OF THE STRUGGLES OF IDENTIFYING CHILDCARE, AFFORDING CHILDCARE, MAKING THE SACRIFICE.

BECAUSE IF YOU THINK ABOUT IT IT IS A COMPRESSED TIME PERIOD WHERE YOU HAVE THE VERY EXPENSIVE 8, 9, 10 HOUR A DAY NEED FOR CHILDCARE AFTER THEY ENTER KINDERGARTEN YOU MAY HAVE A WRAP AROUND PROGRAM AT THE BEGINNING OF THE DAY OR THE END OF THE DAY.

BUT WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT HERE IS THE FIRST THREE OR FOUR YEARS OF LIFE.

I WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE QUESTION OF THE PRICE AND THE COST OF CHILDCARE.

ADVOCATES SAY THAT CONTINUING THIS SUPPORT IS NECESSARY TO KEEP CHILDCARE AFFORDABLE FOR FAMILIES.

BUT WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE IMPACT OF LONG-TERM SUBSIDIES ON THE PRICE OF THINGS?

IF YOU LOOK AT HIGHER EDUCATION IT'S HIGHLY SUBSIDIZED AND THE COSTS CONTINUE TO RISE.

YOU LOOK AT HEALTHCARE.

ANOTHER AREA SECTOR OF OUR ECONOMY HEAVILY SUBSIDIZED AND THE COST OF CARE IS INCREDIBLY EXPENSIVE.

SUBSIDIES MAKE SERVICES MORE EXPENSIVE.

SO FOR THE ADVOCATES IF THEIR GOAL IS TO MAKE CHILDCARE MORE AFFORDABLE THE LAST THING WE SHOULD BE LOOKING AT ARE LONG-TERM SUBSIDIES WHICH WILL ULTIMATELY LEAD TO HIGHER TUITION COSTS AND ALSO INCREASING COSTS EVER GROWING COSTS FOR THE TAXPAYERS TO SUPPORT THIS PROGRAM.

>> Renee: SENATOR CARROLL IS THAT AN UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCE OF YOUR LEGISLATION?

>> I THINK WHAT HE IS STATING IS COMPLETELY UNREASONABLE.

WHEN YOU RUN AN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION YOU DON'T HAVE THE ABILITY TO IMPACT YOUR REVENUE.

YOU HAVE "X" NUMBER OF KIDS.

YOU HAVE TO HAVE "X" NUMBER OF STAFF.

INFANTS YOU LOSE MONEY EVERY MONTH ON INFANTS.

YOU LOSE MONEY ON TODDLERS.

THE ONLY AGE GROUP THAT YOU GENERATE ANY REVENUE ON ARE THE PRESCHOOL KIDS AND MAYBE THE AFTER SCHOOL KIDS.

THAT'S IT.

AND THERE IS NO WAY, NO AVENUE THAT A BUSINESS HAS THAT A CENTER HAS OF INCREASING THE REVENUE.

YOU COULD FILL YOUR CENTER WITH PRE-K KIDS AND NOT TAKE ANY OTHER AGES.

THAT'S IT.

THAT'S THE ONLY THING THAT YOU CAN DO.

AND THAT DOESN'T HELP OUR FAMILIES.

SO THE BUSINESS MODEL STRUCTURED IN SUCH A WAY THAT YOU CAN'T GENERATE MORE REVENUE SO WE'RE STUCK WHERE WE ARE IN THAT.

AND IT'S REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT THAT CAUSES THAT THAT IS VERY NECESSARY BECAUSE OF SAFETY AND QUALITY THAT IS NECESSARY.

>> Renee: YOU ARE NOT PROPOSING TO CHANGE REGULATIONS AT ALL?

>> I AM NOT.

THE REGULATIONS THAT WE HAVE SOMETIMES THEY BURDENSOME THEY ARE.

BUT THEY ARE THERE FOR A PURPOSE.

AND IT CREATES GOOD QUALITY AND IT CREATES SAFETY.

I'VE BEEN IN THIS AREA FOR 14 YEARS NOW.

AND I'VE SEEN IT WHEN IT WAS BABYSITTING AND I SEE WHAT IT IS NOW AND IT IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DAYLIGHT AND DARK.

AND SUBSIDIZING IS ONE THING.

THE CENTERS DON'T WANT A HANDOUT THEY WANT TO SURVIVE.

BUT THE MODEL DOESN'T ALLOW FOR THAT.

AND SUBSIDIES MAY CREATE HIGHER PRICES, BUT INVESTMENTS IN THE RIGHT PLACES CREATE DIVIDENDS.

THIS IS AN INVESTMENT IN OUR KIDS AND OUR ECONOMY AND OUR FAMILIES.

THAT WILL RETURN DIVIDENDS 10 FOLD FOR THIS STATE.

>> WHAT SENATOR CARROLL DESCRIBED AS FAR AS THE COST BREAKDOWN.

AND IF ANYBODY THINKS ABOUT THIS, YOU KNOW IF YOU'VE GOT AN INFANT A TODDLER OR A PRESCHOOLER YOU NEED MORE ADULTS IN A ROOM WITH INFANTS AND TODDLERS TO TAKE CARE OF THOSE LITTLE ONES.

SO AS SENATOR CARROLL DESCRIBED IF WE START PULLING PRESCHOOLERS OUT OF CHILDCARE CENTERS IT MAKES IT DIFFICULT FOR CHILDCARE TO STAY OPEN AND THAT IS WHY WE WOULD SAY WE'RE NOT FOR A UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL EFFORT THAT IS JUST ABOUT PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

THE OTHER PIECE THAT IS REALLY IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND IS ANDREW WAS TALKING ABOUT SUBSIDIES WE HAVE TO REMEMBER WE LIVE IN A STATE THAT IS 6TH FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE NATION IN POVERTY.

FAMILIES CANNOT AFFORD CHILDCARE THAT RIVALS THE COST OF A COLLEGE TUITION.

AND IT RIVALS THE COST OF A COLLEGE TUITION BECAUSE THE PRIMARY DRIVER OF MODEL IS THE PEOPLE THE ADULTS WITH THE CHILDREN.

AND SO PEOPLE ARE EXPENSIVE.

AND AS Dr. VANOVER DESCRIBED WE DON'T PAY THOSE FOLKS ENOUGH TO COMPETE WITH AMAZON, AND MCDONALD'S AND WALMART.

SO THE COST DRIVER IF YOU THINK ABOUT THAT AND YOU THINK ABOUT THE COST OF QUALITY AND THINK ABOUT LIVING IN A POOR STATE THERE IS NO OTHER CHOICE THAN FOR STATE GOVERNMENT TO GET INVOLVED TO ENSURE THAT CHILDCARE IS AN OPTION FOR FAMILIES.

>> Renee: SO THIS VIEWER RESPONSE FROM JEFF SIMS IN CALDWELL COUNTY, WHAT COULD BE THE OPPORTUNITY/INCENTIVE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER PATRONS TO PARTNER IN STAFFING FOR CHILDCARE CENTERS?

COULD THIS BE A BEST OF BOTH WORLDS PARTNERSHIP?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

WHAT A GREAT SCENARIO WHERE YOU HAVE A SENIOR CENTER ASSISTED LIVING HOME, AND THEN YOU HAVE A CHILDCARE FACILITY EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTER RIGHT NEXT TO THAT.

TALK ABOUT IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF BOTH GROUPS THAT ONE OF THE INNOVATIVE IDEAS WE HOPE TO SEE HAPPEN.

HE IS RIGHT IN LINE.

>> Renee: AND THAT IS WHERE THAT GRANT MONEY WOULD GO TO.

>> YES.

YES.

>> Renee: ANY OTHER COMMENT ABOUT THAT IDEA?

>> WE SEE THAT HEADSTART HAS A WONDERFUL FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM WHERE THEY HAVE CERTIFIED TEACHERS THAT ARE IN THE CLASSROOM EVERYDAY BUT THEY HAVE FOSTER GRANDPARENTS THAT VOLUNTEER.

THEY GET A STIPEND TO ASSIST WITH BASIC COST OF LIVING NEEDS.

BUT THEY ARE VOLUNTEERING IN THE CLASSROOM WORKING WITH THE CHILDREN.

ADDING MORE ADULTS TO THE ROOM SO THAT CHILDREN HAVE MORE INTERACTION ESPECIALLY DEVELOPING THEIR VOCABULARY AND TALKING TO THE OLDER ADULTS AND WE SEE GROWTH THERE.

WE HAVE LOTS OF MODELS THAT THE CAN BE USED IN AN INNOVATION PROGRAM.

CLARK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IMPLEMENTED THE EAGLES NEST PROGRAM CHILDCARE JUST FOR CLARK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES AND THEY ARE USING IT AS A RECRUITMENT TOOL FOR TEACHERS WHICH WE NEED MORE OF K-12 TEACHERS BUT PROVIDING CHILDCARE THERE TO PROVIDE FOR THE TEACHERS AND THEIR FAMILIES AND ALSO GIVE THE KIDS WHAT THEY NEED.

WE SEE GREAT PROGRAMS LIKE TOYOTA HAVING 24 HOUR CHILDCARE WHICH I'VE GOTTEN TO BE A PART OF IS A MASSIVE UNDERTAKING.

BUT THERE ARE NUANCES WE CAN DO TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS AND THINK OUT OF THE BOX AND WE HAVE COMMUNITIES LIKE DANVILLE, THAT ARE LOOKING INTO HOW DO WE SOLVE THESE PROBLEMS HOW DO WE THINK OUT OF THE BOX INNOVATION GRANT WOULD ASSIST THOSE PROGRAMS IN MOVING FORWARD.

>> Renee: IF YOUR FIRST BOOK YOU TALK ABOUT THE INNOVATIONS AND CO-OPS AND OTHER IDEAS.

THIS QUESTION COMMENT FROM LUDLOW.

THE MINIMUM WAGE IS NOT INCREASED FOR 15 YEARS WHILE THE PRICE OF CHILDCARE HAS.

IS IT POSSIBLE THAT PARENTS TODAY CANNOT AFFORD CHILDCARE NOW BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT STRUGGLING AS WAS INFERRED BUT WAGES STAGNATED.

TO YOU KATE SHANKS FOR THAT.

>> SEEN SIGNIFICANT WAGE GROWTH IN KENTUCKY RECENTLY AS PART OF SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THAT WE HAVE SEEN IN INFLATION AND ACTUALLY SOME OF THE CHALLENGES WE ARE SEEING WITH CHILDCARE WORKFORCE IN TERMS OF KEEPING UP WITH THE WAGES THAT YOU CAN EARN IN OTHER JOBS THAT AREN'T CHILDCARE RELATED.

THAT'S BEEN AN IMPORTANT CONVERSATION THAT WE'VE HAD HERE TONIGHT.

AND I WANT TO POINT OUT THE ROLE OF PRIVATE EMPLOYERS.

YOU MENTIONED TOYOTA, THERE'S OTHER EXAMPLES.

AND BAPTIST HEALTH, EAGLES NEST PROJECT PART OF THE SCHOOL SYSTEM WE ARE HEARING MORE AND MORE FROM EMPLOYERS ABOUT CHILDCARE.

I WAS TALKING TO ONE OF OUR MEMBERS A CHARGE MANUFACTURER IN A RURAL PART OF THE STATE AND THE REPRESENTATIVE THAT SERVES ON THE BOARD I MENTIONED CHILDCARE WHEN SHE WAS IN FRANKFORT AND HER EYES GOT BIG AND SHE SAID WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO ABOUT THIS?

I HAVE SOMEBODY THAT DRIVES 45 MINUTES ONE WAY TO TAKE HIS KIDS TO THE CHILDCARE FACILITY.

IT'S BECOMING A QUESTION AROUND RECRUITMENT HOW AM I GOING TO RECRUIT THE YOUNG FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN NOT JUST LIKE WHAT ARE THE SCHOOLS LIKE WHAT IS THE CHILDCARE SITUATION LIKE.

AN INDIVIDUAL HAD TO GET UP IN 5:00 A.M. AND WAIT IN LINE TO GET THEIR CHILD INTO A SUMMER SLOT.

WE'RE HEARING FROM EMPLOYERS ABOUT THIS.

AND I THINK THE WHEELS ARE STARTING TO TURN IN TERMS OF THESE INNOVATIVE IDEAS THE CO-OP IDEAS MAY HAVE YOU HAVE AN EMPLOYER THAT COMES TOGETHER WITH THE SCHOOL SYSTEM AND THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND THEY HAVE A FACILITY WHERE THEY EACH BUY INTO SLOTS.

SO WE'RE OUR WHEELS ARE SPINNING TOO AT THE CHAMBER IN TERMS OF SUPPORTING THE EMPLOYERS WHO WANT TO TAKE AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH.

FOR THIS PARTICULAR LEGISLATIVE SESSION WE HAVE TO HELP THE PEOPLE THAT NEED IT NOW SO THAT THEY STAY IN THE WORKFORCE AND WE DON'T LOSE THOSE WORKERS AS WE CONTINUE TO DEVELOP SOME OF THE MORE INNOVATIVE IDEAS.

AND WE'RE VERY INTERESTED IN HOW WE CAN CREATE MORE OF A ROADMAP FOR KENTUCKY AROUND CHILDCARE.

MORE OF A LONG-TERM SUSTAINABLE PLAN.

TALKING ABOUT FUNDING STRUCTURES.

BUT MAYBE THERE ARE ELEMENTS TO THE DISCUSSION OUTSIDE OF THE GENERAL FUND THROUGH THE INNOVATIONS THAT CAN SUPPORT THE WHOLE PICTURE AROUND CHILDCARE IN KENTUCKY.

>> Renee: YOUR COLLEAGUE LAST WEEK HAD SAID CHARLES ALL IF KENTUCKY GETS THIS RIGHT IT PUTS KENTUCKY AT A MUCH MORE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE OVER OVER INDIANA AND TENNESSEE.

WHY?

>> YOU KNOW AT THE CHAMBER WE ARE COMPETITIVE AND WE WANT TO SEE KENTUCKY BE THE BEST TO DO BUSINESS.

ALL STATES ARE STRUGGLING WITH CHILDCARE ISSUES AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ISSUES AND THEY ARE MANAGE TO GO IN DIFFERENT WAYS.

AS WE'VE MENTIONED IT OTHER STATES ARE LOOKING TO KENTUCKY.

LEGISLATION WAS PASSED PASSED I2 HOUSE BILL 499 THE EMPLOYEE CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND OTHER STATES HAVE CONTACTED US SAYING WE'RE INTERESTED IN RUNNING THAT, TOO.

AND WE'RE SEEING BILLS FILED AND PASSED IN OTHER STATES.

>> Renee: THE PARTICIPATION HAS BEEN LESS THAN STERLING?

>> IT'S BEEN A GOOD PARTICIPATION WHEN YOU CONSIDER HOW LONG IT'S BEEN UP AND RUNNING WHICH IT JUST STARTED MIDWAY LAST YEAR.

AND I WANT TO STRESS AND TIES IN, IF YOU ARE AN EMPLOYER WITH 300 EMPLOYEES NOT ALL OF YOUR WORKFORCE NEEDS THAT CHILDCARE SUPPORT.

BUT SOME OF THEM DO.

AND WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN WE TALK ABOUT SUBSIDIES WITH THIS PROGRAM IT IS A BRIDGE OFF OF CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE.

IF YOU ARE MAKING 85% OF THE STATE MEDIAN INCOME AND YOU QUALIFY FOR CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE AND OFFERED A PROMOTION AND THINK I'M GOING TO LOSE THAT ASSISTANCE I DON'T WANT TO TAKE THAT NEXT STEP, THE PROGRAM CAN BE THAT BRICK FOR YOU OFF OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE WHILE YOU ARE GROWING YOUR CAREER AND GROWING YOUR WAGES AND SALARY.

THAT IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF INNOVATION AND A PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP MODEL BECAUSE YOU HAVE SUPPORT FROM THE EMPLOYER AND YOU HAVE IT FROM THE PUBLIC SECTOR AS WELL.

AND THE FUND WE SETUP.

SO WE BELIEVE IN THAT PROGRAM.

WE ARE EXTENDING THAT PROGRAM.

WE HAVE EMPLOYERS THAT ARE INTERESTED IN IT.

AND WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT BENEFIT STRUCTURES AN EMPLOYER IS NOT GOING TO CHANGE THEIR BENEFIT STRUCTURE OVERNIGHT.

THAT IS SOMETHING THAT WILL TAKE PLANNING AND BUDGETING IN THEIR CERTAINLY EMPLOYERS THAT WANT TO SEE OTHERS DO IT FIRST AND SEE HOW IT GOES WORKOUT CHALLENGES.

BUT IT'S GOT INTEREST IN THE PRIVATE EMPLOYER COMMUNITY.

AND I THINK WE'RE GOING TO SEE GROWTH IN THAT AND IT IS A GREAT PROGRAM FOR THAT BRIDGE.

>> Renee: 15 MILLION APPROPRIATED HAS THAT BEEN TAPPED OUT AND ANOTHER APPROPRIATION TO SUPPORT HOUSE BILL 499?

>> THERE IS WITH WHAT WE HAVE IT WOULD BE $2 MILLION.

AND AGAIN, RENEE.

>> Renee: IT DOESN'T SOUND LIKE A LOT.

>> IT DOESN'T.

BUT THIS IS THE FIRST STEP WITH THESE POTS OF FUNDS TO TRY TO GROW CENTERS AND PROVIDERS THROUGHOUT THE STATE.

WE'LL LOOK AT IT FROM YEAR TO YEAR AND WE CAN MAKE ADJUSTMENTS IN THE NEXT BUDGET CYCLE LOOK AT WHAT WORKS AND WHERE DO WE NEED TO INVEST MORE.

WHAT IS NOT WORKING?

AND THIS IS MEANT TO BE A START AND I THINK THAT IS A PROGRAM THAT I FIRMLY BELIEVE WILL CATCH ON ONCE THE EMPLOYERS KNOW THAT THIS IS HERE AND IT'S HERE TO STAY, I THINK IT IS A TOOL THEY WILL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF.

AGAIN, WHAT A GREAT WAY TO RECRUIT EMPLOYEES TO RECRUIT YOUR WORKFORCE.

I THINK IT'S GOING TO BE NECESSARY IN TODAY'S ENVIRONMENT FOR BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY THAT THAT, TO BE CREATIVE.

AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CHILDCARE IS GOING TO BE THE THINGS THAT DRAW EMPLOYER EMPLOYEES TO THE EMPLOYER.

AND FOR THEM TO SUCCEED AND GROW THEIR BUSINESSES THEY WILL HAVE TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND BE INNOVATIVE.

>> DO YOU FIND FAULT WITH THAT PROGRAM?

>> IT'S SETUP AS A PILOT.

IT APPEARS AS IF DOLLARS HAVE BEEN APPROPRIATED TO IT.

I BELIEVE IF THE DOLLARS HAVE BEEN TAPPED, YOU KNOW THERE'S SOME CONTINUED INTEREST IN PROVIDING FOR RESOURCES TO CONTINUE TO SEE IF THAT PILOT DRAWS IN INTEREST FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

LOOK I'M IN FAVOR OF PRIVATE EMPLOYERS AND INDUSTRY THINKING OF INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS AND EVALUATING THEIR BENEFIT PACKAGES TO PROVIDE FOR CHILDCARE ON-SITES OR SOME TYPE OF STIPEND FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES TO AFFORD CHILDCARE.

ONE THING I WANT TO RESPOND TO SOMETHING SAID BY BRIGITTE ABOUT THE PERVASIVENESS OF POVERTY IN THE STATE AND I UNDERSTAND THAT IT'S A CHALLENGE FOR ALL OF US AND A CHALLENGE IN MANY AREAS OF THE STATE.

THERE ARE VOUCHERS IN PLACE FOR LOW INCOME KENTUCKIANS TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD AND SUPPORT THEIR CHILDCARE EXPENSES.

I THINK THAT THERE'S NOT AN INSIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF MONEY INCLUDED IN THE HOUSE BUDGET TO MAKE SURE THAT C CAP IS SUPPORTED.

SO WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT HERE BEYOND THAT AND I THINK THAT WHOEVER MADE THE POINT I THINK IT WAS KATE, IF THERE ARE TWEAKS IF THERE IS A DISEN SIN ACTIVE FOR SOMEBODY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN THEIR PROFESSIONAL CAREER BECAUSE THEY MAY LOSE A CHILDCARE BENEFIT THAT IS A REGULATION OR A STATUTE THAT CERTAINLY IS WORTH EXAMINING.

BECAUSE WE WANT PEOPLE TO BE ABLE TO TAKE THAT NEXT STEP IN THEIR CAREER PATH.

THE BULK OF THIS MONEY ISN'T GOING TO PARENTS.

IT ISN'T GOING TO SINGLE MOTHERS.

IT'S GOING TO CHILDCARE PROVIDERS.

AND THAT'S WHERE THE MONEY HAS BEEN TARGETED FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS.

AND SO THAT'S WHAT I FIND PROBLEMATIC.

THESE ARE BUSINESSES.

THEY ARE SMALL BUSINESSES, OF COURSE.

THEY ARE NONPROFITS AND FOR-PROFITS.

BUT I'VE HEARD THAT THEY ARE FUNDAMENTALLY DIFFERENT THAN ANY OTHER BUSINESS OUT THERE IN THE STATE.

WELL, I GUESS IN TERMS OF THE PRODUCT OR SERVICES THEY ARE PROVIDING THERE'S CERTAINLY SOME REASON TO IDENTIFY THAT AS A VERY CRITICAL SET OF SERVICES.

BUT YOU KNOW FOR AN INDUSTRY TO COME TO THE STATE OF KENTUCKY AND SAY THAT THINGS ARE DIFFICULT IN THIS INDUSTRY, WE WOULD HAVE TO MAKE HARD DECISIONS ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT TO RAISE OUR PRICES, ADJUST OUR LABOR COSTS, OR DECIDE TO STAY OPEN I THINK IS GOING TO FALL ON EARS OF OTHER SMALL BUSINESSES OUT THERE THAT STRUGGLE TO MAKE PAYROLL, THAT PAY THEIR TAXES, TO SAY THAT THERE'S SOMETHING SO UNIQUE ABOUT THIS SECTOR THAT THEY DESERVE AN APPROPRIATION OF $300 MILLION TO PROP THEM UP.

>> Renee: FUNNY HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO THAT.

>> I ACTUALLY DO THINK THERE'S SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT THE SECTOR THAT MAKES IT WORTHY OF INVESTMENT THAT IS THE FACT THAT THIS SECTOR IS THE SECTOR THAT SUPPORTS ALL OTHER SECTORS T SUPPORTS OUR KIDS OUR WORKING FAMILIES AND OUR COMMUNITIES.

WHEN WE SEE THINGS LIKE ONE OUT OF THREE PARENTS MAKING CHOICES ABOUT WORK AND THEIR JOB BECAUSE THEY CAN'T FIND CHILDCARE AND WE SEE 100,000 WOMEN KENTUCKY WOMEN THAT IS ENOUGH TO FILL CARDINAL STADIUM TWO TIMES OVER LEAVING THE WORKFORCE DURING COVID BECAUSE OF CHILDCARE ISSUES THAT SHOULD TELL YOU HOW VITAL THIS IS.

AND THAT IS NOT TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE IMPACT ON KIDS' BRAINS.

THEY ARE MOSTLY FORMED THE BY THE TIME THEY REACH AGE 5.

AND YET WE HAVE NOT INVESTED ENOUGH MONEY INTO THOR EARLY YEARS TOO MAKE SURE WE'RE SETTING OUR KIDS UP FOR SUCCESS.

I AGREE IT'S INCUMBENT ON US TO MAKE SURE WE ARE BEING EFFICIENT AND GOOD STEWARDS OF THAT.

BUT WE GIVE TAXPAYER DOLLARS TO A LOT OF BUSINESSES WHEN WE THINK IT'S GOING TO BENEFIT THE COMMONWEALTH.

THINKING ABOUT BLUE OVAL AND FORD IS AN EXAMPLE.

SO FOR ME, THIS SECTOR IS SO IMPORTANT IT IMPACTS SO MANY THINGS THAT WE ABSOLUTELY SHOULD BE INVESTING IN IT TONIGHT SHOULD BE ONE OF THE FIRST PLACES WE LOOK TO INVEST.

>> Renee: ANY OTHER COMMENT ON THAT?

I SAW YOU ALL NODDING?

>> I THINK THE POINT, ANDREW, YOU WERE MAKING ABOUT VOUCHERS AND TALKING ABOUT THE CHILD CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM BUT THE STATE'S ASSISTANCE THROUGH THE CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM DOESN'T PROVIDE WHAT IS NECESSARY FOR A CHILDCARE PROVIDER TO MAINTAIN A LEVEL OF QUALITY.

IF WE GO BACK TO THE COST DRIVERS IN THE SMALL BUSINESS IT'S ADULTS.

IT'S THE ADULT TO CHILD RATIO THAT IS THE COST DRIVER.

AND SO IF A CHILDCARE PROVIDER IS NOT ABLE TO BRING IN ENOUGH REVENUE THROUGH THE CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FROM FAMILIES THAT QUALIFY, THROUGH FAMILIES THAT PAY FULL FREIGHT OR THROUGH OTHER MEANS LIKE BEING PART OF THE PRESCHOOL DELIVERY MIX, THEN THE CHILDCARE PROVIDER CANNOT MAINTAIN A LEVEL OF QUALITY, BRING THE RIGHT PEOPLE IN AND KEEP THE RIGHT WORKFORCE IN THE CHILDCARE BUSINESS TO STAY OPEN AND TO PROVIDE THAT CARE.

AT THE LEVEL OF QUALITY THAT IS THE RETURN ON THE INVESTMENT.

SO I THINK IT'S MARKET FAILURE IS BASICALLY WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT HERE.

AND THERE ARE TAX EXPENDITURES THAT GO TO MANY OTHER BUSINESSES IN THE STATE.

SO TO SAY THAT THIS IS A UNIQUE ASK BY THE CHILDCARE INDUSTRY, IS PROBABLY NOT ACTUALLY THE CASE.

>> Renee: PETE FROM JAMESTOWN MIGHT SIDE WITH Mr. McNEILL HE SAY WHY WASN'T THE FUNCTION OF CHILDCARE A CONCERN A DECADE AGO?

HOW DID PARENTS HANDLE IT WITHOUT GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION AND TAXPAYER MONEY?

>> YOU IF YOU LOOK BACK A DECADE AGO OR MORE, OUR ECONOMIC STRUCTURE HAS CHANGED A LOT.

I WAS PRIVILEGED ENOUGH TO HAVE A PARENT WHO STAYED AT HOME WITH ME WHEN I WAS YOUNG AND SHE WAITED TO ENTER THE WORKFORCE UNTIL WE STARTED KINDERGARTEN AND WE WERE ABLE TO LIVE ON ONE INCOME THAT MY FATHER BROUGHT IN AND THAT WAS FABULOUS I HAD A BLESSED CHILDHOOD.

MY CHILDREN HAVE NOT HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE.

I HAVE BEEN A WORKING MOM FROM THE GET GO AND PART IS BECAUSE OF OTHER EXPENSES THAT WE'VE TALKED ABOUT.

IF I HAD STAYED HOME AND WE PUT OUR HEALTH INSURANCE ON MY HUSBAND'S PAYCHECK HE WOULD NOT HAVE BROUGHT HOME ENOUGH FOR US TO CARE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.

WE ALSO ISN'T HAVE TO -- DIDN'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT WHEN CHILDREN WERE BORN WE HAD 18 YEARS TO SAVE FOR COLLEGE AND THAT WAS THE GOAL.

I WILL GET A COLLEGE SAVINGS ACCOUNT FOR MY CHILDREN.

RIGHT NOW, INFANT CARE IS MORE THAN THE COST OF YOUR FRESHMAN YEAR AT A STATE UNIVERSITY.

THE LARGEST EDUCATIONAL EXPENSE IS RIGHT OUT OF THE GATE SIX WEEKS AFTER THE BABY IS BORN.

AND PARENTS DON'T HAVE TIME TO BRACE FOR THAT.

YOU HAVE TO COME UP WITH OVER A THOUSAND OUT OF YOUR MONTHLY BUDGET OVERNIGHT.

YOU GO FROM NOT HAVING TO SPEND IT TO HAVING TO SPEND IT IMMEDIATELY.

WE'VE KENT COSTS DOWN BY SUBSIDIZING THE COST OF CARE ON THE BACKS OF OUR CHILDCARE PROVIDERS.

WE PAID THEM NOTHING TO OFFSET THE FACT THAT FAMILIES COULD NOT AFFORD TO PAY MORE THAN $200 A WEEK.

BUT, NOW THEY ARE LEAVING THE FIELD BECAUSE WE HAVE PAID THEM NOTHING.

BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE.

BECAUSE THEY HAVE OTHER OPTIONS AND IT IS MORE LUCRATIVE TO WORK AT MCDONALD'S WHERE YOU CAN HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE AND GET A SCHOLARSHIP TO GO TO COLLEGE WHILE WORKING AT BURGER KING.

THERE ARE OPTIONS AVAILABLE AND THE FREE MARKET ALLOWS FOR THOSE OPTIONS.

BUT IF WE WANT TO HAVE WORKING FAMILIES PARTICULARLY WORKING WOMEN IN THE WORKFORCE, WE'VE GOT TO FIND A WAY TO SUBSIDIZE THAT COST N KENTUCKY A SINGLE PARENT WILL PAY 23% OF INCOME FOR ONE CHILD TO BE IN CHILDCARE.

WHEN MY CHILDREN WERE LITTLE WE PAID $400 A MONTH FOR INFANT AND TODDLER THAN WE DID ON OUR MORTGAGE.

THAT WAS 10 YEARS AGO.

10 YEARS AGO THERE WAS AN ISSUE IT'S CONTINUING TO EXACERBATE AND OUR FAMILIES ARE HAVING TO MAKE TOUGH CHOICES BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEY NEED TO KEEP OTHER BASICS IN PLACE.

NOW, WHAT WE'RE SEEING A LOT WITH OTHER SUBSIDIES, WE HAVE ALL THE DISCUSSIONS SHOULD WE SUPPLEMENT FOR FAMILIES WHEN WE HAVE CHILDCARE SUBSIDY IT IS BECAUSE A FAMILY IS TRYING TO BE INDEPENDENT THEY ARE TRYING TO WORK THEY ARE TRYING TO GO TO SCHOOL SO THEY WILL BE ABLE TO WORK IN A GIVEN FIELD THAT THEY WANT TO.

THE FAMILY IS TRYING TO BE INDEPENDENT AND WE WANT TO SUPPORT THEM IN ORDER TO DO THAT.

AND WE ALSO WANT TO MAKE SURE THOSE CHILDREN ARE IN HEALTHY AND SAFE PLACES AND GOOD LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS WHILE THE FAMILY WORKS.

NO PARENT GOES TO WORK IF THEY ARE WORRIED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THEIR CHILDREN.

THEY LEAVE THEY GO AND GET THEIR CHILD AND THEY STAY HOME WITH THEM.

AND THAT'S WHAT WE HAVE TO AVOID BECAUSE WE ALSO KNOW THAT WHEN A PARENT HAS RELIABLE CHILDCARE THEY MISS 30% LESS WORK.

IF THEY HAVE ON-SITE CHILDCARE, THE TURNOVER FOR EMPLOYEES IS REDUCED BY 60%.

BECAUSE LET'S SAY I'M WORKING AT TOYOTA AND I GET ANOTHER JOB OFFER MAYBE A FEW THOUSAND DOLLARS MORE I'M NOT GOING TO LEAVE IN MY CHILD IS HAPPY BECAUSE AS A PARENT I'M CARING WHAT MY CHILD NEEDS THAN MAYBE MY OWN BOOST IN HAPPINESS.

EMPLOYERS HAVE THE ABILITY TO HAVE MORE BENEFITS FOR THEM.

AS WELL AS CHILDREN HAVING A SAFE AND CARING AND LOVING EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT.

WHICH ALL BUILDS THE FAMILY UP.

AND IT'S GOING TO HELP THE CHILDREN BE MORE PRODUCTIVE.

>> Renee: SENATOR CARROLL I WANT TO ASK YOU YOUR BILL IS GOING TO BE HEARD HOM TOMORROW IN YOUR COMMITTEE AND VOTED ON TOMORROW.

AND I IMAGINE THERE ARE CHANGES AND REVISIONS FROM THE ORIGINAL.

CAN YOU SHARE WITH US WHAT WE CAN EXPECT TOMORROW?

>> THERE ARE A FEW.

JUST SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS WITH THE INNOVATIONS GRANT AND THE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTER START UP GRANTS, WE'VE INCREASED THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF THOSE GRANTS FROM 100,000 TO 150,000.

ON THE FOUNDATION GRANT WHICH IS MUCH LIKE SEEK DOLLARS, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE THOSE DISTRIBUTIONS WILL BE I'MMY ANNUALLY.

AND REQUIRING THAT ANY CENTER THAT RECEIVES THE FOUNDATION FUNDING THEY HAVE TO BE AT A MINIMUM OF THREE STAR CENTER WITHIN THREE YEARS OF THAT FIRST ALLOCATION.

AND WE'RE PUTTING LIMITS ON PUBLIC SCHOOL ACCESS TO THESE FUNDS TO MAKE SURE THERE'S NO DOUBLE DIPPING GOING ON.

THOSE ARE THE MAIN THINGS THAT WE'RE LOOKING AT.

AND I WANT TO ADD TO SOMETHING THAT Dr. VANOVER SAID.

I WAS TALKING TO ONE OF THE PARENTS AT OUR CENTER THE OTHER DAY AND SHE WAS HAVING A CONVERSATION ABOUT HER AND HER HUSBAND ABOUT HOW THEY PLAN THEIR FAMILY.

AND IT USED TO BE THAT WELL, WE WANT TO HAVE OUR KIDS GET ONE IN HIGH SCHOOL, AND THEN HAVE THE SECOND ONE.

THAT'S NOT THE CONVERSATION ANYMORE.

OUR PARENTS PLANNED THEIR FAMILIES AROUND THE AVAILABILITY OF CHILDCARE.

AND IF THEY HAVE A SLOT AT A CENTER AND THEY KNOW THEY GET PREFERENCE IF THEY ARE SIBLINGS THEY WILL HAVE THE SECOND CHILD BEFORE THE FIRST CHILD GRADUATES ON TO SCHOOL FOR THE SAVINGS AND TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY HAVE A SLOT IN THAT CENTER.

SO THAT'S THE REALITY OF THE WORLD THAT WE LIVE IN TODAY.

THAT MOST PARENTS BOTH HAVE TO WORK.

AND THEY ARE PLANNING THEIR FAMILIES AROUND THE AVAILABILITY OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION IN OUR STATE.

LET THAT SINK IN A LITTLE BIT.

THAT IS HOW WE'RE FAILING OUR FAMILIES.

WE HAVE ALREADY LOST OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS, HALF OF OUR PROVIDERS.

THIS HAS BEEN A CRISIS FOR YEARS.

IT JUST CAME TO A HEAD DURING COVID.

AND WE'RE GOING TO REACT TO THIS OR FALL IN THE PIT THAT OTHER STATES ARE FALLING INTO OR WE'RE GOING TO BE THE BRIGHT LIGHT ON THE HORIZON THAT IS GOING TO LEAD THIS COUNTRY IN THIS ISSUE.

>> Renee: WILL YOUR BILL ACTUALLY CALL THOSE CENTERS BACK INTO BUSINESS?

1700 OR SO THAT HAVE CLOSED THEIR DOORS WOULD THIS BILL REOPEN THEM?

>> RENEE I HOPE THERE'S INCENTIVE TO DO THAT.

I HOPE.

I DON'T KNOW IF WE'VE GOT THE NUMBERS RIGHT.

TIME WILL TELL WITH THAT.

IT'S GOING TO LET ENTREPRENEURS KNOW THAT THEY ARE RESPECTED WHAT THEY ARE DOING IN THE SUPPORTS GOING TO BE THERE THAT THEY ARE VALUED AND IT'S GOING TO BE A WAY THAT THEY CAN OPEN UP A BUSINESS AND SURVIVE AND TAKE CARE OF THEIR FAMILIES AND THE SAME WITH ANY OTHER BUSINESS.

THAT IS ALL THEY ARE ASKING FOR.

I THINK SO.

AND MOST ALL THE PEOPLE THAT GET INTO THIS IT'S LIKE Dr. VANOVER SAID THEY ARE NOT IN IT FOR THE MONEY THEY ARE IN IT FOR THE KIDS.

AND THEY'VE KEPT THEIR DOORS OPEN AS LONG AS THEY CAN BUT THERE COMES A POINT WHEN ARE YOU HAVING TO NOT PROPERLY TAKE CARE OF YOUR FAMILY AND YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE THAT OR KEEPING YOUR CENTER OPEN, YOU HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR FAMILY.

WE HAVE TO CREATE THE ENVIRONMENT FOR THESE CENTERS TO SUCCEED TO GROW TO GROW NEW IDEAS AND I THINK THE FREE MARKET WILL TAKE CARE OF ITSELF AND WE'LL GET BACK ON OUR FEET AND THE DIVIDENDS FROM THIS INVESTMENT THEY ARE GOING TO BE ENDLESS AND OUR KIDS BEING BETTER EDUCATED.

OUR FAMILIES BEING ABLE TO WORK WHEN THEY WANT TO WORK.

SCHOOL CHOICE THEY CAN GO TO A CHURCH-LED EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTER OR A PRIVATE CENTER THEY CAN GO TO A PUBLIC SCHOOL.

THE CHOICES ARE THERE.

SO THERE'S SO MANY DIFFERENT FACETS OF THIS.

AND ONE THING WE HAVE NOT TOUCHED ON IS THE SAFETY OF THE KIDS.

THE MORE KIDS THAT WE CAN GET INTO THESE CENTERS THAT ARE IN CHILDCARE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION EVERYDAY, LOOK AT THE NUMBERS OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT WE HAVE IN OUR COMMONWEALTH.

LOOK AT THE IMPACT THAT WE CAN HAVE ON THAT.

I SEE AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH ONE OF OUR TEACHERS IS COMING TO ME CAN YOU LOOK AT THESE BRUISES.

LOOK AT THE EARLY INTERVENTIONS WE CAN MAKE AND LOOK AT THE AID THAT WE CAN BE IN THAT AREA TO LOWER THOSE NUMBERS TO BETTER PROTECT OUR CHILD.

THAT IS ANOTHER REASON WHY WE NEED TO EXPAND PROVIDERS AND NEED TO HAVE KIDSES MANY KIDS AS WE CAN GET IN THE CENTERS WITH THE PARENTS MAKING THOSE DECISIONS WHERE THEY WANT THE KIDS TO BE.

>> Renee: ONE ISSUE WE HAVE NOT TALKED ABOUT AND NOT SENATOR CARROLL'S BILL, BUT IT'S REPRESENTATIVE HEF RIN'S, HOUSE BILL 561 THAT DEALS WITH ZONING AND LAND USE.

PEOPLE ARE THINKING THAT HAS TO DO WITH CHILDCARE BUT IT DOES.

TELL US HOW.

>> WE SUPPORT THIS LEGISLATION.

THIS GETS AT LAND USE RESTRICTIONS RELATED TO CHILDCARE.

AS WE WORK ON AFFORDABILITY ISSUES THE OTHER PIECE OF THE EQUATION ARE HE WE REMOVING BARRIERS THAT MAY EXIST IN A LOCAL COMMUNITY TO STARTING NEW CHILDCARE SERVICES WHETHER IT'S IN YOUR HOME, OR IN A BRICK AND MORTAR FACILITY, AND IT CREATES THE CHILDCARE READY COMMUNITY PROGRAM AND IT'S MODELED AFTER A POPULAR RECOVERY READY COMMUNITY PROGRAM AND IT EMPOWERS LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO BRING LOCAL COMMUNITIES TO BRING TOGETHER STAKEHOLDERS TO LOOK AT THEIR LAND USE RESTRICTIONS THAT MIGHT EXIST AND REMOVE ANY BARRIERS TO CHILDCARE AND ALSO TO CREATE RESOURCES FOR PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY WHO MAY WANT TO START CHILDCARE FACILITIES.

>> Renee: THEY MAY NOT KNOW THE BARRIERS EXIST.

AND THEY TONIGHT'S KNOW HOW TO GET AROUND THEM AND THERE'S BEEN CHANGES.

IT IS A A PROACTIVE BILL TO DEAL WITH THE CHILDCAREDERS EARTHS.

WHEN I THINK ABOUT THE EMPLOYER TALKING TO ME ABOUT THE EMPLOYEE TALKING 45 MINUTES EACH WAY.

AND THAT IS A STRONG MESSAGE THE COMMUNITIES CAN SEND TO BUSINESSES WANTS TO STAY IN THOSE COMMUNITIES THAT THEY ARE SERIOUS ABOUT ADDRESSING THESE PROBLEMS.

IT IS A COMPETITIVENESS ISSUE AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ISSUE AND SOMETHING THAT I THINK WE NEED TO SEE THOSE LOCAL COMMUNITIES COMING TOGETHER AND TALKING ABOUT AND WORKING ON IN ADDITION TO WHAT WE'VE TALKED ABOUT.

>> Renee: ANY ISSUES WITH THAT Mr. McNEILL?

>> NO, IT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD DISCUSSION AND COMMITTEE ON THURSDAY.

I POINT OUT THAT THE REPRESENTATIVE ALSO BROUGHT A JOINT RESOLUTION OUT OF COMMITTEE LAST WEEK TO REESTABLISH THE CHILDCARE TASK FORCE.

SHE SEEMED TO INDICATE THAT A BILL LIKE SENATE BILL 203 MIGHT BE FACED WITH HEADWINDS IN THE HOUSE.

SO SHE DIDN'T WANT TO SHORTCHANGE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION DURING THE INTERIM.

I THINK THAT THAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS VALID AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THAT CONVERSATION TO CONTINUE IS SOMETHING THAT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE STATE.

WE RECOGNIZE THAT.

>> Renee: WE'LL KEEP OUR EYES ON IT AND TOMORROW 9:00 A.M. IS THE COMMITTEE HEARING?

KET WILL BE CARRYING THAT YOU CAN WATCH THAT ON-LINE AT KET.ORG.

AND ALSO ON THE KENTUCKY CHANNEL WE WILL BE CARRYING IT THERE AS WELL.

WE THANK YOU FOR A GREAT DISCUSSION ABOUT THIS VERY IMPORTANT ISSUE.

AND WE HAD A SPECIAL REPORT THAT DEBUTED LAST WEEK CALLED SMART START AND IF YOU DID NOT GET A CHANCE TO SEE THAT Dr. VANOVER WAS IN IT AND OTHERS KATE WAS IN IT.

WE WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO GO ON-LINE AT KET.ORG AND IT TALKS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION.

WE DON'T TALK POLICY WE TALK ABOUT BRAIN DEVELOPMENT.

AND THE WORKFORCE ISSUE SURROUNDING IT.

WE HOPE YOU WILL CHECK THAT OUT.

WE ARE BACK IN TWO WEEKS AND WE'LL TALK ABOUT SCHOOL SAFETY.

THERE IS A BILL FROM SENATOR WISE THAT DEALS WITH THAT AND WE'LL BREAK THAT DOWN IN TWO WEEKS ON "KENTUCKY TONIGHT".

MAKE SURE YOU JOIN US TOMORROW NIGHT 6:30 EASTERN FOR KENTUCKY EDITION AND WE'LL TALK MORE ABOUT SENATE BILL 203.

THANKS FOR WATCHING.

I'M RENEE SHAW.

TAKE GOOD CARE.