The West Virginia Association for Young Children (WVAYC) has small business leaders and advocates available to discuss recent state House passage of HB 4191, which would help alleviate staffing challenges facing small businesses throughout the state by taking steps to address the child care crisis that is forcing too many West Virginia parents out of jobs. 

On March 4, the House passed HB 4191 with an 89-4 vote, and small business owners, families and child care providers are urging the state Senate to pass it before the session ends next week. The bill stabilizes child care center finances and expands tax credits for employers who provide or sponsor child care for their employees. 

"At Arrowhead Bike Farm, we depend on passionate, dedicated people to deliver the kind of experience that gives locals a post-adventure hangout spot and keeps visitors coming back to West Virginia. But finding and keeping great employees is hard when child care is out of reach for working families,” said Phil Waidner, owner of Arrowhead Bike Farm in Fayetteville. “HB 4191 is a game-changer for small businesses like mine. When we can help our team access affordable child care, we're not just supporting our employees, we're investing in the future of West Virginia's tourism industry. A workforce that's able to show up is a workforce that keeps our trails busy, our guests happy, and our state's economy growing.”

Researchers estimate that the child care crisis costs West Virginia's economy $464 million in lost productivity, earnings, and tax revenue annually. West Virginia has the lowest workforce participation rate in the country.  

“Our coalition has worked tirelessly for five years to educate lawmakers about the urgent need to stabilize the economy by investing in the child care sector, and legislators finally seem to be responding,” MomsRising West Virginia Campaign Director Amy Jo Hutchison. "We anticipate child care will be a hot campaign issue in the 2026 election, and we're eager to continue to center the conversations about the needs of the West Virginia child care sector around the experts – child care professionals and the families who rely on them. Child care is the work that makes all other work possible, and we're grateful for the small business community's support as this bill heads to the Senate.” 

To be connected with Phil Waidner, Amy Jo Hutchison, or Thomas Baker, owner of AMG Network Hosting in Montgomery,  please contact KrIsty Ritz, Executive Director of WVAYC, at kritz.wvayc@gmail.com.