provide free or cheaper childcare for single parent families.

 

The purpose of this bill is to help single parent families have easier access to childcare.

 

According to the U.S. Department of health and human services, the index of affordability for childcare is 7% of a

family's income. Currently, all 50 states, including the District of Columbia, exceed that number. As stated by Child

Care Aware, in Minnesota the average monthly price for childcare is $1,140 per child. That equates to 34% of a single

parent households income. This bill will provide a safe place for children to be when their single parent cannot watch

them. It will also help single parents know that their children are safe and well taken care of.

 

“Single Parent Family” shall be defined as a household with children where one parent is the sole caregiver.

“Childcare” shall be defined as the action or skill of looking after children.

“Free”shall be defined as without cost or payment.

“Cheaper” shall be defined as lower in price.

 

The funding for this bill will be taken from the general fund. This bill will need $2 billion to pay for childcare.

 

Charging a single parent family for childcare is considered a misdemeanor and, depending on the severity, is punishable

by up to one year of jail time and revoking of childcare license. Any childcare provider caught charging single parent

families will be fined the amount the childcare would have cost. This money will be given back to the single parent

families.

 

This bill shall go into effect on May 1st 2026.