Child Care Help in Minnesota

Child care advocates in Minnesota are hoping new legislation will offset the high costs of child care.

Child-care costs in Minnesota are third highest in the country.

James Carlson, director of public policy for Child Care Works, says finding affordable and quality care is difficult in Minnesota, but a bill to direct eight-million in federal stimulus dollars to families needing assistance will help.

"Thirty-eight percent of child care centers charge at or below what the state can reimburse a family for their care," says Carlson. "In addition, 45 to 48 percent of family care providers are collecting money at or below what the state can reimburse."

Carlson says by helping these families pay for child care, low-wage workers can remain in the work force.