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Nicole Heller: Childcare Is Good for the Economy
A conversation with Nicole Heller, Senior Policy Analyst at the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute, about the true cost of childcare.
How does a healthy childcare industry affect New Hampshire’s economy?
A healthy childcare industry benefits all of us. Parents who have access to affordable childcare can go into the labor force, if they choose. Less financial stress and more household income benefits families and our economy. Currently, we need more people in the workforce: There are about two jobs available for every one person in New Hampshire’s labor force. If parents can’t go into the labor force, that limits the hiring pool available to businesses. Limited business growth impacts the overall economy. Finally, and possibly most importantly, high-quality early care and education is important for the healthy growth and development of our youngest Granite Staters. Positive early care and education can help buffer against adverse early experiences and have long-term positive impacts that benefit both individuals and society overall.
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