Date: March 2, 2024

Minnesota’s Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) lawmakers have introduced a significant proposal aimed at alleviating the financial burden of child care for parents with young children. The initiative, dubbed the Great Start Affordability Scholarship program, seeks a one-time allocation of $500 million to fund the program for a year.

Representative Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn, along with other authors, is pushing for the proposal to support families making up to 150% of the state median household income. This effort is designed to reduce one of the highest child care costs in the country, providing subsidies directly to child care providers and reflecting the discount on families’ bills.

• $500 million proposed for child care subsidies.
• Assistance for families earning up to 150% of state median income.
• Subsidies range from $100 to $750 per month based on income.

The proposal, now advancing through legislative committees, reflects a broader effort to make child care more accessible and affordable, leveraging Minnesota’s budget surplus to fund essential services for families.