In a recent Montana Free Press-Eagleton Poll, 71% of Montanans expressed concern over child care costs, with 64% worried about availability in their communities. Democrats showed more concern than Republicans, with 58% of Democrats feeling “very concerned” about costs compared to 29% of Republicans. Similarly, 49% of Democrats were “very concerned” about availability, while only 23% of Republicans shared this worry.
The poll involved over 900 participants, using telephone and text-to-web methods, with a margin of error of ±4.1%. Higher education levels correlated with increased concern: 55% of those with graduate experience were “very concerned” about costs, compared to 31% of those with a high school diploma or less.
Income also influenced concern levels, with 46% of households earning over $150,000 “very concerned” about availability, as opposed to 29% of families earning under $50,000. Women were more likely than men to be “very concerned” about availability.
A variety of child care-related bills are progressing through the Legislature. Sen. Josh Kassmier has introduced legislation including Senate Bill 321, proposing tax credits for child care costs. This bill offers $1,200 tax credits for parents of children under 5, $1,600 for child care workers with young kids, and up to $5,000 for businesses aiding employee child care. It awaits a Senate Taxation Committee hearing.
Rep. Jonathan Karlen presented bills to expand the Best Beginnings program’s eligibility. House Bill 456 would qualify child care workers automatically, with an estimated cost of $5.5 million annually. Both bills faced legislative challenges.
Sen. Dennis Lenz proposed Senate Bill 269 and Senate Bill 285 to update facility regulations, both of which were rejected. Rep. Melissa Romano introduced House Bill 360 to fund recruitment and retention for child care providers, which remains stalled in committee.
Additional proposals to alter state requirements for child care facilities and enhance early education are under consideration.
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