Business & Economic Leaders

“Nebraska’s businesses have been working with community partners to close the gap in available child care beginning well before the pandemic. But the consequences of COVID-19 may now have once again widened that gap. Simply put, if parents don’t have a place they can trust to care for their kids, they will not be able to help re-energize and strengthen our state’s economy coming out of the pandemic.”

Bryan Slone | President, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry

A driver for business and economic development

Nebraska ranks among the top four states in the nation for the percentage of children under age 6 who have all available parents in the workforce. Yet, about 91% of Nebraska counties lack sufficient child care options to meet local demands. Left unaddressed, this gap can stifle economic opportunity for families by keeping parents out of the workforce, undercut employer productivity and make it difficult for communities to attract and retain business and industry. These gaps also weaken the talent development pipeline we need to grow a highly skilled and marketable future workforce.

Business and economic leadership is key

It’s good business when employers, chambers of commerce and economic development corporations play a crucial role in strengthening Nebraska’s early childhood infrastructure. As an influential and respected community leader, you are well positioned to bring valuable expertise and resources to public-private efforts to make high-quality child care and other early childhood programs more available in your community and across the state.

Bottom Line

Pre-COVID-19, gaps in Nebraska’s child care infrastructure cost the state nearly $1.4 billion in direct and multiplied economic losses each year. View Bottom Line Report

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Mike Feeken
Mike Feeken

Strategic Partnerships Advisor

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