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
Featured Publications
Tell state senators how breakdowns in background checks hurt child care
Alert: Submit an online comment to the Nebraska Legislature by noon Central Time on October 10, 2023 The Nebraska Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee will hold a hearing October 11 on interim study LR191, introduced by State Senator Teresa Ibach to...
Thriving Children conference draws early childhood, community leaders from across the state
Last week, First Five Nebraska joined the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Nebraska Departments of Education and Economic Development, Nebraska Economic Developers Association and a wide array of early childhood organizations and community groups in...
2023 Legislative Overview: Progress made on early childhood issues
2023 Legislative Overview: Key themes focused on improving maternal health outcomes, alleviating financial pressures on parents and child care providers and strengthening availability and access to child care.
Historic Nebraska Child Care Tax Credit package signed into law
Governor Jim Pillen signed LB754 into law this week, an important piece of legislation that will help offset financial pressures on parents and child care providers and encourage private sector involvement in growing child care infrastructure. The bill includes...
Lawmakers score win for families, child care providers with passage of LB754
First Five Nebraska commends the members of the Nebraska Legislature who voted to pass LB754 (originally introduced as LB318), an important bill for working parents, child care providers and communities across the state. When signed into law by Governor Pillen, LB754...
The Policy Leadership Academy is accepting applications for Class 5
The Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy (PLA) is excited to announce that applications are open for Class 5! We’re looking for individuals with a passion for early childhood and pre/perinatal issues who want to be effective change agents in their communities. ...
The Latest on the Blog
Tell state senators how breakdowns in background checks hurt child care
Alert: Submit an online comment to the Nebraska Legislature by noon Central Time on October 10, 2023 The Nebraska Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee will hold a hearing October 11 on interim study LR191, introduced by State Senator Teresa Ibach to...
Thriving Children conference draws early childhood, community leaders from across the state
Last week, First Five Nebraska joined the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Nebraska Departments of Education and Economic Development, Nebraska Economic Developers Association and a wide array of early childhood organizations and community groups in...