The Public Policy Committee follows a variety of topics from local, state and federal governments. Here is one of the items of note we're following:
Legislative Corner: Strengthening Virginia's Workforce Through Child Care
One of the most significant workforce challenges facing employers today is access to affordable, reliable childcare.
Across Virginia, businesses continue to report difficulties attracting and retaining employees when working parents cannot find or afford quality childcare. When parents are forced to reduce hours, leave jobs, or decline employment opportunities due to childcare challenges, the impact extends beyond individual families—it affects workforce participation, productivity, and economic growth.
The federal Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) helps address this challenge by assisting eligible working families with the cost of childcare. According to data from the First Five Years Fund, the average cost of infant care in Virginia is approximately $1,400 per month. Through CCDBG, eligible families may pay no more than $180 per month for care, allowing parents to remain in the workforce while ensuring their children have access to safe, quality learning environments.
The program also preserves parental choice, allowing families to select the care option that best meets their needs, including childcare centers, home-based providers, and faith-based programs.
Congress is currently considering the Child Care Modernization Act, bipartisan legislation designed to strengthen and modernize the CCDBG program, so states can better meet the growing needs of working families, childcare providers, and employers.
For Virginia businesses, supporting workforce participation means supporting solutions that help working parents remain employed and engaged in the economy. Access to affordable childcare is a critical component of a strong workforce and a competitive regional economy.
The Chamber encourages members who support workforce development initiatives to contact Virginia's U.S. Senators, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, and urge them to support the Child Care Modernization Act. Investing in childcare is an investment in Virginia's workforce, businesses, and future economic growth.