Lieutenant Governor Hunt Leads First Meeting of Child Care Task Force

RALEIGH: Today, Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt led the first meeting of the Governor’s Task Force on Child Care and Early Education. The task force is working to find solutions to the child care crisis by identifying strengths and gaps in the current system, strengthening public and private investment in child care infrastructure, and working to recruit and retain a strong child care workforce.

Lieutenant Governor Hunt serves as Co-Chair of the task force along with Senator Jim Burgin.

“The child care crisis is not just a family issue, but an economic issue. Too many North Carolinians have to make tough choices due to a lack of child care, from staying home from work to leaving the workforce entirely,” said Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt. “This task force is an opportunity to find real solutions to the child care crisis and help children, parents, and our state succeed.”

During the meeting, task force members were sworn in, viewed presentations from experts, and held a panel of child care providers.

Governor Stein issued an executive order formally establishing the Task Force on Child Care and Early Education in March. The task force is comprised of state agency representatives, subject matter experts and elected officials and will meet in May and June, followed by every other month to submit reports and recommendations to the Office of the Governor.

Lieutenant Governor Hunt’s policy platform, Future-Ready North Carolina, champions investments in child care and early childhood education and workforce development, in part through North Carolina’s community colleges. As a member of both the State Board of Education and Community College Board, the Lieutenant Governor will also emphasize Career and College-Ready Graduate Programs.