The new state budget approved late last month includes $1.2 billion for child care-related issues. That includes increasing the rate at which providers are reimbursed, helping facilities attract and retain staff and subsidies for families that can’t afford child care, among other things.

But all of that money comes from the federal government in the form of COVID-19 relief programs; that means most of it will eventually run out, without the state putting up money.

The Show talked more about all of this with Kelley Murphy, vice president of policy at Children’s Action Alliance. They started the conversation by asking if the state is making good decisions when it comes to how to invest this money.

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