This year’s legislative session in Colorado is quickly winding down, and lawmakers face difficult choices about what bills to pass and what to chop. For small businesses, it’s clear decision-makers need to prioritize proposals that provide support for the childcare industry.

A recent Small Business Majority poll confirms what we’ve known for some time — the childcare crisis is severely impacting small businesses and their employees, with nearly 60% of surveyed entrepreneurs reporting limited childcare options are a major barrier to business growth. This issue is preventing working parents from fully participating in the workforce, with 30% of small businesses reporting they’ve had an employee quit due to childcare issues.

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Colorado lawmakers can address this issue head-on by passing some commonsense proposals. For example, HB 24-1223 would help strengthen and streamline the Colorado Childcare Care Assistance Program (CCAP), making it easier for families to access childcare. Another great initiative being considered is HB 24-1312, legislation that would provide a state income tax credit for individuals in the care community, many of whom are business owners and childcare providers. These initiatives would benefit small businesses and their employees by improving childcare affordability and accessibility, while they continue to work and earn a living wage to sustain their families and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

We urge the Colorado legislature to prioritize these proposals to address the funding and resource gaps for childcare providers and small businesses overall. Our local economies will thrive and prosper when we meet their needs.

Lindsey Vigoda

Colorado director, Small Business Majority

Denver

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