Family & Children’s Center CEO says state child care program helped her business retain quality workers, wants program to continue in next budget
LA CROSSE (WKBT) — The secretary of Wisconsin’s Department of Children and Families visited La Crosse’s Family & Children’s Center Monday to discuss Governor Tony Evers’ plan to increase quality child care access across the state.
Last year the state used one-time pandemic relief money to launch the bipartisan “Partner Up” program. For those who signed up, employers paid for a portion of child care costs, federal grants covered the rest, and employees got a free year of child care.
Family and Children’s Center’s CEO said Monday that three key employees are using this program, and if the program goes away and forces those employees to get different jobs, the result would be “devastating.”
She said affordable child care can help businesses retain their workers.
“And it would help us with recruitment to identify that as a potential perk for new young folks coming out of school or starting a family. That would be huge for us,” said Tita Yutuc, CEO of Family and Children’s Center.
“We’re seeing folks drop out of the workforce because they do not have high-quality accessible, affordable child care,” said DCF Secretary Emilie Amundson. “If there is a bipartisan piece of this budget, I believe it’s in child care.”
Evers’ budget proposal would use $22 million to have the state fully continue the program.
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) – The Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families Emilie Amundson stopped at the Family and Children’s Center in La Crosse to hear how the Partner Up grant program has supported employees and the community.
“What were hearing when we talk to employers across the state is, we need workforce and were seeing folks drop out of the workforce because they do not have high quality affordable child care and we need as many people working in the state of Wisconsin as possible.” said Amundson.
The Partner Up program began with assistance from the American Rescue Plan.
Governor Evers wants to extend the program and will work to build it into the next budget.
WKBT article originally appeared on news8000.com on Feburary 20, 2023.
WXOW article originally appeared on wxow.com on Feburary 20, 2023.
La Crosse Tribune article originally appeared on lacrossetribune.com on Feburary 20, 2023.
