The Ohio Senate Finance Committee convened on June 6, 2025, to discuss critical funding issues affecting child care services in the state. The meeting featured testimonies from key stakeholders advocating for the restoration and allocation of funds essential for supporting vulnerable children and families.

The session began with a discussion on the need for legislative adjustments to ensure the sustainability of child care services. Committee members expressed concerns about the implications of funding cuts and the necessity of exploring alternative solutions without new legislation.

Jill Kingston, founder and president of Bridget's Path, presented a compelling case for restoring a $1,000,000 allocation for residential infant care centers. Kingston highlighted the center's success in caring for substance-exposed newborns, noting that 85 percent of the babies served have avoided entering the foster care system. She emphasized that the elimination of this funding would jeopardize the center's operations, forcing it to reduce services and turn away families in need. Kingston urged the committee to recognize the long-term benefits of investing in such programs, which provide critical support to families and prevent costly foster care placements.

Following Kingston, Susan Lewis Koehler, President and CEO of St. Vincent Family Services, addressed the committee regarding early intervention and kindergarten readiness programs. Koehler reported an alarming trend of preschool expulsions in Ohio and underscored the importance of equipping young children with the necessary social and emotional skills for success in school. She requested an earmark of $150,000 for each fiscal year from the Infant and Early Childhood Fund to enhance their services, which have shown significant positive outcomes in behavioral improvements among children.

Both testimonies underscored the urgent need for continued financial support for child care services in Ohio. The committee concluded the meeting without immediate resolutions but acknowledged the importance of the issues raised. Stakeholders are hopeful that the discussions will lead to actionable steps to secure the necessary funding for these vital programs.