We would like State Board to consider the following comments from the Department of Planning & Budget sent to the Joint Committee on Appropriations, and Senate Committee on Finance:

"In general, the changes proposed in this action that will increase costs for licensees will likely cause licensees to either raise their child care rates to cover increased costs or, for marginally profitable businesses, leave the licensed child care field altogether. If licensees choose to close their licensed child care businesses becasue their time and resources could be used more profitably elsewhere, the supply of licensed child care slots would shrink which would also tend to increase child care rates. Either of these effects will raise the costs of licensed day care for parents.  This may either leave those parents with fewer resources to meet other needs for themselves and their children, or may cause them to seek out cheaper, unlicensed care givers. Requiring licensees to meet more costly licensure requirements also leaves them with fewer resources to spend in alternate ways! that might benefit their employees or children in their care."

Thank you for hearing our concerns and working with the child care industry, to find the right balance, for those in the field working, in early care & education. We so appreciate your time and support.