Governor Ayotte Urges Collaborative Approach to Childcare Affordability

CONCORD, NH - Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte joined childcare stakeholders for a forum in Manchester to discuss ways to make childcare more affordable and accessible for Granite State families.

"We need everyone at the table to bring more affordable childcare options to our state - our business community, state and local officials, and our nonprofits," said Governor Ayotte. "We can help working families and keep growing our economy by incentivizing companies to invest in childcare, growing workforce development opportunities in childcare, and cutting red tape without compromising child safety. Together, we'll make sure New Hampshire stays the best place to raise a family."

In her remarks, the Governor highlighted three key areas on where the State, business community, and nonprofit can work together to tackle this challenge:

• Incentivize businesses to invest in child care for their employees through a tax credit program
• Remove barriers to entry and streamline the permitting process for new childcare providers while upholding child safety standards
• Grow the childcare workforce through partnerships with the community college and university systems

The Governor also championed the State's Childcare Scholarship Program, which was fully funded in the budget signed into law this summer.