“The Case for Childcare in West Virginia”: The Case for Childcare in West Virginia: West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Releases Report Highlighting Childcare Challenges & Proposed Solutions
September 19, 2024
West Virginia stands at a critical crossroads in its pursuit of a thriving future for families and communities. Today, the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce is proud to launch “The Case for Childcare in West Virginia,” a comprehensive publication that addresses the need for affordable, high-quality childcare. This initiative highlights challenges that face West Virginia and proposes actionable solutions to transform our childcare landscape.
A survey conducted by the West Virginia Chamber showed nearly 75% of members say that childcare is an issue on some level for their business. The Chamber recently led the charge with
a major workforce and jobs bill in the 2022 West Virginia Legislative Session which incentivizes businesses to build childcare facilities on their premises. Under SB656, employers who create a childcare facility are eligible for a 50% tax credit on initial startup and operating costs that would be taken over a period of five years.
West Virginia is grappling with a significant childcare crisis that impacts workforce participation, economic growth and educational achievement. With a declining population driven by low birth rates and outmigration, the availability of affordable childcare is increasingly becoming a barrier to family planning decisions. Moreover, West Virginia boasts one of the lowest workforce participation rates in the nation, particularly among women, who are often unable to join the workforce due to insufficient childcare options.
“West Virginia faces a critical challenge: ensuring access to affordable, high-quality childcare for all families. This lack of childcare is a significant barrier to workforce participation, economic growth and educational achievement,” Brian Dayton, Vice President of Policy & Advocacy for the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, said. “However, it’s also an opportunity. To become a national leader and build a brighter future for its citizens we must invest in childcare solutions.”
Dayton continued, “West Virginia faces many challenges in the coming years, but it also faces numerous opportunities. Reversing population loss, improving workforce participation, and
improving education outcomes are vital to future economic growth. The reality is that improving any of these metrics will be made much harder without meaningfully addressing childcare
The Case for Childcare in West Virginia can be found on wvchamber.com
Members of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce are your small business neighbors. Chamber members employ over half of our state’s workforce and are found across our state. More information on the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce can be found at www.wvchamber.com.