“Moms across West Virginia applaud legislators for passing HB 4191, which becomes law today. This is a momentous, hard-fought victory that will make our state stronger and more prosperous for years to come. This new law will help solve the child care crisis that has harmed our state’s families, businesses and economy for much too long. Passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, it will provide tangible, badly needed relief for working families as costs soar; help stabilize the finances of child care programs so they can continue serving their communities; expand tax credits for small businesses that provide or sponsor child care for their employees; and boost our economy by enabling more parents to be in the workforce. 

“A powerful, grassroots movement of parents, child care providers, business leaders and advocates made this historic victory possible by working tirelessly for years to educate lawmakers about the massive harm the child care crisis is causing. Parents spoke out about being forced into poverty because they could not find or afford the child care they needed to hold jobs – or being forced to refuse a raise or additional hours because doing so would cost them their child care assistance. Child care providers shared harrowing stories of the sacrifices they have been making to keep the lights on and make payroll each month. Small business owners highlighted the extraordinary challenges they face recruiting and retaining talented employees. We are thrilled our elected leaders responded with smart legislation that tackles the child care crisis from every angle. 

“While this is an enormous step forward, our work is not done. In the next legislative session, we will press lawmakers to address the severe shortage of child care workers in our state by investing in fair pay for these hardworking professionals and ensuring they can access care for their own children. Our coalition will continue to fight until every West Virginia family can find and afford the quality child care they need to work and thrive.”