CHARLOTTE, N.C. — With the remaining pandemic-era federal funding set to run out this summer, child care centers across the country are facing closures.
According to data provided by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, 278 facilities closed in the state in 2023.
"In certain parts of North Carolina, it's almost impossible to find child care at this point," U.S. Rep. Jeff Jackson said on WCNC's Flashpoint.
Jackson called it a "crisis."
He helped introduce a bill that would offer a $5,000, refundable tax credit for family child care facilities to help with startup costs.
"It is not the total solution. But a total solution is a state and federal government that just decides to prioritize child care more highly than it has in the past, as we did during the pandemic," he said.
In an election year, Jackson said he's unsure of the bill's path to passage, especially if it isn't passed by the summer.
At the state level, the General Assembly is expected to take up the issue during the legislative session starting April 24th and likely ending in June.
"We have got to get more investment in our child care system in North Carolina," NC Health Secretary Kody Kinsley said.
Kinsley is proposing a three-tiered approach to address the problem. These solutions include; increased investments, streamlined regulations and incentives for new businesses.
He said lawmakers must act now.
"This is our window between now and the end of June," he said.
Contact Ben Thompson at bthompson@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.