Access to affordable child care took center stage during the Alaska State Legislature's Senate Finance meeting on April 25, 2025, as lawmakers discussed Senate Bill 95 (SB 95), aimed at expanding child care assistance for families. The bill seeks to raise the income threshold for families to qualify for child care support, addressing a critical issue that many Alaskan families face.

Testimony from various stakeholders highlighted the urgent need for reform in the child care sector. A representative from the statewide child care resource organization, SRED, reported that over 25% of licensed child care programs in Alaska have closed since 2020, exacerbating the challenges for families seeking affordable care. Stephanie Bergland, CEO of SRED, emphasized that the current system is fragile, with many families unable to access quality child care due to high costs and limited availability. She noted that businesses are feeling the impact, with an estimated $152 million lost annually due to child care-related employee turnover and absenteeism.

SB 95 aims to allow families earning up to 105% of the median household income to qualify for assistance, a significant increase from the current threshold. This change is expected to help more families access the care they need, enabling parents to work and contribute to the economy. Bergland urged lawmakers to recognize that investing in child care is not just a social issue but an economic imperative, stating, "Care can't wait. Action is needed this session."

Support for the bill was echoed by Jenny Stuckey, COO of Camp Fire Alaska, who shared that the average annual cost of child care in the state exceeds $13,500 per child. Stuckey highlighted the struggles of families who, despite working hard, find themselves unable to afford care without assistance. She called for immediate action, stating, "Child care is fundamental to business and an investment in our economy."

As the meeting concluded, the urgency for legislative solutions to strengthen the child care system was clear. With SB 95 already having passed with strong support in the previous session, advocates are hopeful that this bill will pave the way for a more sustainable and accessible child care framework in Alaska, ultimately benefiting families and the broader economy.