ANCHORAGE – The House Labor and Commerce Committee heard testimony on Wednesday afternoon from childcare providers who urged the rapid release of federal American Rescue Plan Act funding that is currently sitting unused.
The State of Alaska has only distributed 1 percent of available funds, delaying the rebuilding of Alaska’s economy.
“Many parents can’t go back to work until childcare centers are open and able to take care of their kids,” said Rep. Zack Fields (D-Anchorage), a co-chair of the committee.
Rep. Ivy Spohnholz (D-Anchorage), a co-chair of the committee, added, “We heard loud and clear that we need to cut the red tape so childcare providers can care for Alaska’s children and enable their parents to get back to work.”
