A coalition of Texas business groups has announced the formation of an Employers Childcare Task Force, which will devise a strategic childcare policy agenda for the 2025 legislative session. The coalition is spearheaded by the Texas Restaurant Association, Texas Association of Business, Early Matters Texas, and Texas 2036.
According to a report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce titled "Untapped Potential in Texas", the Texan economy suffers a loss exceeding $9 billion annually due to issues within the childcare system.
In a press release from the Texas Restaurant Association announcing the coalition, Kelsey Erickson Streufert, Chief Public Affairs Officer of the association, stated: "While the Texas Legislature has adopted some positive childcare reforms in recent years, the state's overall childcare environment has worsened. As a result, the scarcity of affordable, high-quality programs is devastating Texas' workforce today and into the future. It's time for private employers to lead on this issue because childcare is an economic imperative."
The press release further detailed that the executive committee of this task force will comprise representatives from the Texas Restaurant Association, Texas Association of Business, Early Matters Texas, and Texas 2036. They plan to recruit members from the Texan business community through spring 2024. The task force will conduct research and analyze other childcare systems to develop a comprehensive policy platform for consideration during the 2025 legislative session in Texas.
Glenn Hamer, President and CEO of Texas Association of Business said: "We are proud to join together with other leading advocates throughout the state to make sure our state's leaders understand the critical importance of enhancing childcare options in strengthening our state's workforce, job creation and - most importantly - laying down a foundation for a brighter future for all Texan children."
"The data is clear - the price of childcare continues to rise. Daily market rates have risen 10.1% between 2022 and 2023, building on years of previous increases. To meet the needs of the current and future workforce, Texas needs to adapt to a changing market," said Hope Osborn, Director of Government Relations at Texas 2036.
