POUGHKEEPSIE – The proposed 2020 budget to be unveiled later this week by Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro will include $150,000 to help working parents in finding childcare while at work.
Molinaro said limited access to affordable childcare is one of the largest barriers that prevent many from entering the workforce.
The additional funding will seek to close the gap with quality childcare through partnerships between the county and the Day One initiative and QualitystarsNY and will work with the county’s Economic Development Advisory Council, the Child Care Council of Dutchess Putnam, and others.
“While access to childcare can be an obstacle for men, it remains a significant challenge for women entering or returning to employment,” said Molinaro. “We intend to address this inequity while expanding access to childcare that will help children on their path to success.”
Frank Castella, Jr., president of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, said the country “is facing an unprecedented shortage of skilled workers, which limits our business community’s ability to grow and prosper. Addressing the childcare issue not only bolsters our workforce, but also strengthens our education pipeline.”
Molinaro will present his proposed 2020 county budget on Wednesday, October 30 at 10 a.m. in the legislative chambers in Poughkeepsie.
