[ST. PAUL, MN] – Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today met with senior White House officials, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, and state legislators in Washington D.C. to discuss child care issues. Lieutenant Governor Flanagan highlighted Minnesota’s work to increase access to child care, lower child care costs, establish paid family and medical leave, and eliminate child poverty.

“As a mom and a lifelong child advocate, I know child care isn’t a nice to have – it’s a must have. Affordable, accessible child care should be available to every family who needs it, and we’re working to make that a reality in Minnesota,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “I’m grateful to our state and federal partners for continuing to fight for working families across the country. We’re building systems to ensure every child has a safe place to call home, no child goes hungry, and working families have the support they need to thrive.”

The One Minnesota Budget signed into law this session includes over $1.3 billion to support the child care workforce, expand child care access, and ensure quality child care is available statewide. Investments include:

• $576 million to increase child care worker wages
• $4 million for child care workforce development scholarships
• Over $500 million to expand access to the Child Care Assistance Program for over 3600 children
• $311 million in early learning scholarships
• Funding for an additional 12,360 new pre-kindergarten seats

Other investments include a nation-leading child tax credit that will reduce child poverty by 33%, paid family and medical leave for all Minnesota workers, and free breakfast and lunch for all students at school.