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Senate adopts $340 billion budget blueprint for Trump's agenda after marathon vote; MI keeps EV charging plans on track despite federal cuts; Shore power bill would improve WA air quality, cut emissions; Report: Methane mitigation industry grows in LA, nationwide.

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Trump wants to eliminate local governance in Washington, D.C., election denier Kash Patel is confirmed as FBI director, and federal cuts to the World Trade Center Health Program hurt ailing first responders.

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The Taos County Sheriff says he won't conduct raids or round ups of immigrants, New Hampshire worries a dearth of charging stations will force tourists driving EVs to pick another vacation destination, and Southern states improve education with workarounds.

Better Wages Highlight Latest ND Child-Care Plan

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Thursday, December 8, 2022   

When North Dakota lawmakers reconvene next month, they'll have a host of recommendations for improving child care to consider, including a new policy framework offered by a statewide group.

The North Dakota Child Care Action Alliance said it compiled its suggestions after hosting six listening sessions earlier this year. The group is calling for the creation of a workforce fund to provide supplemental wages and support for continuing education and training.

Zach Packineau, director of outreach and programming for the North Dakota Voices Network and a member of the alliance, said setting aside dollars to help provide competitive pay will go a long way in helping care centers deal with recruitment and retention issues.

"We need to change the perception of the work that child care workers and providers do," Packineau asserted. "They're not just glorified babysitters; these are teachers, these are educators who are helping the state's children to achieve very important milestones."

Federal data show the median wage for child care workers in North Dakota is around $11 an hour, just barely above the poverty level for a family of three.

In September, Gov. Doug Burgum announced a working plan to address the state's child care crisis, including expanding the eligibility pool for the Child Care Assistance Program, and adding a state child care tax credit.

Alliance members have said the governor's plan is a step in the right direction, but also hope the state adopts a robust final plan with wages serving as a key component.

Packineau emphasized lawmakers need to keep an open mind as parents still struggle to find affordable care.

"Because this crisis is so huge, we really need some long-term, innovative solutions," Packineau contended.

The coalition said North Dakota needs about 10,000 more child care slots to meet the demand for young children with working parents. To staff these additional slots, the state needs at least 1,400 more child care workers.


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