State Senator Focuses on Childcare Affordability

Oliver pushes legislation to help families with children

State Senator Charlane Oliver of Nashville is putting forward a slate of bills that aim to address childcare affordability.

The bills include legislation increasing the number of families eligible for childcare payment assistance through the state's Smart Steps program, addressing low wages in the childcare sector, and expanding meal programs for children in food deserts.

“Childcare and caregiving workers are essential to our economy as they enable parents to participate in the workforce and reach their career potential,” said Sen. Oliver. “Right now, too many parents from working and middle class families are leaving good jobs because they either don’t have access to high-quality child care or they can’t afford it. If we want to protect our long-term economic success, we need to make sure working families have the tools they need to succeed — and affordable child care is near the top of that list.”

Oliver's House co-sponsores include lawmakers from both Nashville and Memphis.

Sen. Charlane OliverPhoto bySenate Democratic Caucus