Child Care Advocates Urge Alaska Legislature for Increased Funding Amid Crisis
May 4—JUNEAU — Child care advocates are calling on the Alaska Legislature to secure at least $14 million in this year’s budget to address a sector in crisis. Last month, the House passed a budget including $7.7 million in grants for providers and $6.1 million in subsidies for families. However, the Senate’s draft lacks similar provisions, prompting urgent appeals for funding inclusion.
Low wages, lengthy waiting lists, and high tuition costs have beleaguered Alaska’s child care sector, with one-quarter of providers closing in the last three years, according to thread Alaska. Although the Legislature allocated $7.5 million in subsidies the past two years, legislators are now scrutinizing spending due to the state’s financial outlook. “The problem is we don’t have money,” said Sen. Cathy Giessel, an Anchorage Republican and advocate for child care funding.
The budget process typically brings together both chambers to resolve differences, and Democrat Rep. Zack Fields emphasized the need for ongoing subsidies, calling it “indefensible” not to approve them again this year. He argued that funding cuts harm stability.
Recent closures, including Bright Beginnings in Anchorage, have pushed families further into crisis. Stephanie Berglund, CEO of thread Alaska, reported that over 125 families lost care as a result. Approximately 23,000 children in Alaska lack access to essential child care services.
This week, dozens rallied at the Capitol in support of child care initiatives. Blue Shibler, executive director of the Southeast Alaska Association for the Education of Young Children, highlighted the risk of total system collapse, advocating for permanent funding solutions rather than one-time financial aid.
In 2023, Gov. Mike Dunleavy initiated a task force to enhance the child care landscape in Alaska, resulting in 56 actionable recommendations. A state tax credits bill aimed at aiding child care services passed last year but faces legal challenges. With fewer than three weeks left in the session, advocates remain hopeful as legislators push for crucial support.
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