In April of 2023 Anchorage Voters passed Proposition 14 by a 12-point margin. That proposition dedicates marijuana tax money to child care and early child care education – estimated to be between $4 & $6 million per year. These funds seem to come at just the right time.

Due to the scarcity of programs as well as the cost of care and lack of high-quality child care means that 51% of Alaskan families cannot fully participate in the labor force. And even when families can participate the costs are high with many child care spots costing up to $1800 per month in Anchorage. In Alaska, child care can account for up to 15% of parents’ income.

On this episode I am joined by members of the Anchorage Child Care and Early Education Fund implementation team to discuss how the Anchorage Child Care and Early Education Fund is being implemented and the marijuana tax funds used to address the needs of families and child care workers in Anchorage.

https://www.careforkidsanchorage.com

https://www.muni.org/Departments/health/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.facebook.com/ancpublichealth

https://www.instagram.com/ancpublichealth/

https://www.muni.org/Departments/Assembly/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anchorage-Municipal-Assembly/388908687838651

https://www.asdk12.org/school_board/

https://www.alaskachildrenstrust.org/

https://www.facebook.com/alaskachildrenstrust

https://www.instagram.com/alaskachildrenstrust/

https://www.anchoragechamber.org/

https://www.facebook.com/AnchorageChamber

https://www.instagram.com/anchoragechamber