The U.S. Department of Commerce, in collaboration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, hosted a National Child Care Innovation Summit on June 27, 2024. The event gathered hundreds of public- and private-sector stakeholders from over 40 states to discuss child care as essential economic infrastructure and explore solutions for accessible, affordable, and high-quality child care.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo announced that the Census Bureau would expand its Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement (CPS/ASEC) to better understand the economic relevance of child care. "More data will enable policymakers, researchers, and advocates to address the child care challenges that American families face daily at scale," Raimondo stated.
The President’s Council of Economic Advisers released an issue brief highlighting the positive impacts of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding on child care affordability and labor supply for mothers. However, it noted that these gains have stalled post-ARP funding expiration.
Additionally, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce introduced "Data Deep Dive: Women in the Workforce," examining workforce shortages among women and their long-term economic implications.
Secretary Raimondo emphasized the importance of private sector involvement: “We need private sector leaders at the table to work with us...to identify and target solutions that will support workers, families, and businesses.”
Lael Brainard, White House National Economic Advisor, reiterated this sentiment: “The President is making historic investments in child care directly and in partnership with the private sector.”
U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Suzanne P. Clark called for a collaborative effort: "This is one of the defining challenges of our time—one that will require...the partnership of our leaders in government."
Speakers included National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard, Domestic Policy Council Director Neera Tanden, Gender Policy Council Director Jennifer Klein, Etsy CEO Josh Silverman, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Colorado Governor Jared Polis, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, Congresswoman Katherine Clark (D-MA), Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA), philanthropist Melinda French Gates among others.
Several new initiatives were announced during the summit:
1. **Investing in America Child Care Partnership**: A coordinated philanthropic effort aimed at leveraging federal infrastructure funds to enhance local child care systems.
2. **Intel Corporation**: Announced an expansion of its child care services including increased provider networks for employees and new subsidy programs.
For further details on speakers and agenda items from this summit or information on ongoing efforts by various organizations to improve access to quality child care services across America visit [link].
