For many Granite State families, child care is inaccessible and unaffordable. According to Child Care Aware of America, center-based care for two children under 5 years old averaged nearly $32,000 annually in New Hampshire during 2023, a 12.5% increase from 2022.
The federal American Rescue Plan Act, enacted in 2021, provided flexible federal funds to county, city, and town governments in New Hampshire that can be used for a wide variety of purposes.
If given final approval and implemented, investments could support the economy and Granite Staters with low and moderate incomes
Limited access to affordable child care creates significant challenges for New Hampshire’s families, economy, and state efforts to support a robust workforce. While Granite State families requiring child care experienced challenges with availability, affordability and quality of care before 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges and highlighted the severity of barriers to child care.
Between November 2022 and October 2023, an average of 16,000 Granite Staters per month were not working because they were caring for children who were not in school or day care. The high price of child care may be a key factor keeping many NH residents out of the workforce.
Economic growth not sufficient enough to offset revenue losses
NH Fiscal Policy Institute shares data from Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey
Budget highlights ongoing imbalance in the way the state funds transportation
Investments to provide workforce supports with expanded housing availability and access to healthcare
Proposal to include modest investments in housing, child care, healthcare workforce
