Senator Luz Escamilla is introducing groundbreaking legislation aimed at tackling Utah’s pressing childcare crisis, a critical issue which impacts the state’s workforce and economic stability, and that is being exacerbated by $400 million childcare fiscal cliff.
SB 176 (Child Care Services Amendments), a product of countless conversations with working families, childcare providers, employers, and key government agencies, presents a visionary approach to establishing a public-private partnership to enhance access to affordable and high-quality childcare across Utah.
With approximately 77% of Utahns residing in childcare deserts, where access to such services is severely limited, the state faces an annual economic loss of $1.36 billion. Senator Escamilla’s bill seeks to transform vacant state-owned properties into fully licensed childcare centers, leveraging partnerships with private businesses to expand affordable, high-quality childcare availability.
Under SB 176, a pilot program will be established in Salt Lake County to modify state-owned properties to comply with Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) licensing requirements for childcare facilities. These properties will subsequently be offered to private enterprises through a no-cost lease agreement, with the condition that 60% of the daycare center’s capacity is designated for serving the children of partnering businesses. The remaining 40% will be allocated to accommodate the children of state employees, local community members, and military personnel.
“I am committed to addressing Utah’s childcare crisis head-on, recognizing that our state’s economic prosperity hinges on the accessibility of high-quality, affordable childcare for working families,” said Senator Escamilla. “SB 176 represents a bold yet practical solution that harnesses the strengths of both public and private sectors to expand childcare options and support the well-being of Utah’s children and workforce.”
