Dear John,

Since the legislative session began in February, the TakeAction team of Parents and Caregivers has been at the Capitol constantly meeting with legislators and testifying, raising up the experiences of what it is like to raise and care for children in Minnesota right now. It is a crisis. Check out what members have to say.

For this week’s Digest, we’re diving into a fuller picture of systems impacting how we raise children and care for one another, including our health care, child care, schools, wages, and child protection. 

Here’s what we’re reading, watching and listening to this week.

1. Of course childcare workers deserve healthcare 

The implementation of the MinnesotaCare public option holds immense promise for child care workers, providing them with vital and affordable health insurance that safeguards both their own well-being and that of the children under their care. In the absence of this option, many child care workers are compelled to forego coverage or make sacrifices to retain eligibility, exacerbating financial strain and compromising the quality of care they offer. 

2. Childcare vs. HOAs 

A new measure introduced at the legislature attempts to address Minnesota’s childcare shortage by prohibiting HOAs and condo associations from banning in-home daycare establishments.

3. "Childcare is as essenital as education"   

While it may initially seem implausible to some for our government to cap parents' spending on child care at 7 percent of their income, it's important to recognize that child care is as essential as education, profoundly impacting both parents and children's growth. Establishing a universal and free child-care system, mirroring the principles of public education, holds the potential to significantly benefit our communities.

4. Why is childcare so expensive now? 

Check out this insightful video that delves into the factors driving the skyrocketing costs of child care and how lawmakers in Warren, Minnesota, are addressing this pressing issue by seeking solutions.

5. Um, that's not helpful  

A TikTok rundown of legislative proposals that would help the crisis, and GOP “solutions” that won’t. 

6. Dual-language program under threat in Minneapolis Public Schools

Minneapolis Public Schools has proposed cutting its Spanish dual-language program from seven elementary classrooms – just as the district’s enrollment of Spanish-speaking students is growing. Students and educators need and deserve more support right now – not less.

7. The wage gap and childcare 

As parents grapple with the exorbitant costs of childcare, the persistent gender wage gap exacerbates their financial challenges. The World Bank Group's report shows significant disparities between legal reforms and outcomes for women in the workplace. Despite mandates for equal pay, the lack of measures to address wage disparities in many countries, coupled with inadequate legal protections against violence and insufficient childcare support, impedes access to a well-rounded and financially stable lifestyle for countless working mothers.

8. Worker centers and childcare 

Worker centers like La Colmena in Staten Island and Neighbors Link in Westchester County provide child care services to low-wage workers. These centers have played a crucial role in advocating for policies benefiting working families and have become hubs for community engagement and solidarity. By offering child care and family-friendly programming, they empower parents to participate in organizing and advocating for policies around working families.

9. Racism and childcare 

The MN African American Family Preservation Act has been stalled in the MN legislature since 2017. Current author, Rep. Esther Agbaje has brought it back this year in hopes of addressing long-standing discrimination against Black families in the child welfare system. Learn more here about why this law is so important.

10. A few of our fave childcare memes

They made us laugh. And then sigh. 

And that's a wrap!

Send us what you’re reading, watching and listening to.

Until next time,

Ayanna Lee (they/she)
Digital Manager