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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Tama Theis (R)

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Rep. Tama Theis Named to Select Committee to Address Child Care Shortage, High Costs

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

ST. PAUL, MN—Speaker Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, announced Tuesday the formation of a Select Committee on Affordable Child Care. Representative Tama Theis, R-St. Cloud, was named to the committee which will partner with providers and parents to facilitate solutions for more affordable child care choices for Minnesota families.

"Central Minnesota is a wonderful place to raise children, but there must be affordable child care options for working families," said Rep. Tama Theis. "This committee will work with our state's first-rate child care providers and parents to improve access to top-quality child care, meeting the needs of families in our community and our state."

Beginning in February, the select committee will tour Greater Minnesota to hear from parents and providers about the challenges they face and partner with them to craft innovative solutions. According to data from the Department of Human Services, Minnesota has lost over 3,000 child care providers in the last decade.

"If parents cannot find affordable child care, it is not only frustrating for families, but also an economic issue for Greater Minnesota. I look forward to serving on this committee and welcome input from parents and child care providers in our community," added Rep. Theis.