LINCOLN - A new statewide coalition called Child Care Can has launched with 65 organizations focused on improving Nebraska’s child care system through stronger public investment and policy changes. The campaign argues that affordable, quality child care should be treated as essential infrastructure because it allows parents to remain in the workforce and helps communities attract workers and businesses. Nebraska currently ranks 38th nationally in child care assistance investment, while center-based care costs families roughly $9,000 to $15,000 per child annually.

The coalition hopes Nebraska can follow states such as Montana, New Mexico and Iowa that have made sustained public investments in child care. The issue is especially significant in rural communities, where limited options can force parents to travel for care or rely on complicated arrangements. Stromsburg parents Jessica and Cale Pallas joined the campaign after struggling to find reliable care for their twins, saying better child care is important not only for families but also for businesses trying to recruit and retain workers in smaller communities.

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