South Dakota House Bill HCR6010

South Dakota 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 1/31/23

Caption

Encouraging the Executive Board of the Legislature to establish a taskforce to study the availability of childcare.

Impact

If the taskforce is established, it is expected to collaborate with various stakeholders, including those from the childcare industry, business leaders, and state agencies, to tackle the complexities of the childcare crisis. The resolution suggests that the taskforce may develop recommendations and draft legislation aimed at increasing both the affordability and accessibility of childcare services in South Dakota. A focus on quality and affordable childcare is projected to not only support working families but also enhance workforce participation rates across the state.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 6010 (HCR6010) was introduced to encourage the South Dakota Legislature's Executive Board to form a taskforce tasked with studying the pressing issue of childcare availability in the state. The resolution highlights the significant decline in affordable childcare options and notes that South Dakota has one of the highest rates of working parents in the nation. Recognizing the associated challenges, HCR6010 aims to address the barriers that prevent many parents, especially single ones, from entering the workforce, thus contributing to the state's labor shortages.

Contention

While HCR6010 appears to have broad support, the success of any forthcoming recommendations will likely depend on legislative priorities and budget considerations. There may be concerns regarding the allocation of resources necessary for implementing proposed solutions, as well as debates over the most effective strategies to address childcare shortages. Stakeholders' contributions to the taskforce discussions will be critical in shaping realistic and impactful responses to the crisis.