Support SB177: Free Child Care for Child Care Workers
Ohio can’t build a strong economy without a strong child care workforce. Senate Bill 177 (SB177) is a bold, business-forward step toward solving Ohio’s child care crisis by offering free child care to child care workers/
Why it matters
Workforce development
The childcare industry is the workforce behind the workforce. It is one of the largest drivers of workforce participation across all sectors. When child care workers can’t afford child care themselves, turnover increases and providers can’t stay open. SB177 solves this problem by supporting the people who keep Ohio’s economy running.
Support for small businesses
Most child care providers in Ohio are women-owned small businesses. By reducing the financial strain on their staff, SB177 helps these business recruit, retrain, and grow. Small businesses are the first to hire and the last to fire.
Economic stabilization
Child care is essential infrastructure. When child care is unstable, families can’t work, businesses suffer, and the economy slows. SB177 is a smart public investment in keeping our communities employed and our local economies thriving.
What SB177 Does
Covers the cost of child care for employees who work at licensed child care centers, Type A/B homes, and family care providers
Applies statewide, helping both urban and rural communities fill workforce gaps.
Strengthens recruitment and retention, reducting costly staff turnover in the care industry.
Who benefits?
Child care workers get to stay in the jobs they love without sacrificing their own family’s needs.
Parents gain better access to reliable care when child care programs are fully staffed
Businesses see fewer interruptions and disruptions when employees have dependable child care.
Communities gain economic stability through stronger family and small business support
Take Action
Ohio lawmakers need to hear from YOU. They need to understand that child care is the backbone of a thriving economy, and parents, providers, and employers are the voices they need to hear. Email your lawmakers