MN House passes legislation aiming to help child care and early education

Courtesy: State of Minnesota
Courtesy: State of Minnesota

(St. Paul, MN) -- Two bills are seeking approval from the Minnesota Senate following their passage in the state House.

Minnesota House members passed HF 13 (69-59) and HF 150 (70-60). The bills are aiming to increasing the rates of pay for childcare providers, invest tens of millions in child care stabilization grants, and and expand early learning scholarships.

"All Minnesota children deserve a great start in life,” said Speaker Melissa Hortman. “Today, House DFLers are taking action, making early investments to support families and close our state’s unacceptable opportunity gaps. Our children are only young once. Investments now — like the ones we’re proposing — will positively impact them for the rest of their lives.”

HF 150 also aims to continue a series of stabilization grants that would have otherwise been cut in half beginning in March of 2023. If passed, the cuts would be reversed.

“The lack of affordable child care in Minnesota is holding parents back from working, holding businesses back from hiring, and holding kids back from getting a great start to life,” said House Majority Leader Jamie Long. “Voting for this bill is a vote to address our workforce shortage and make Minnesota a more welcoming, supportive state for children and families.” 

You can learn more about the bills by clicking the links below

HF 13 | HF 150