Childcare in Madison can cost more than college tuition. Parents are spending thousands a month, and childcare centers are feeling the squeeze of rising costs. They can’t pay enough to compete with other employers in a tight labor market — and can’t hire fast enough to meet demand. The result is parents, often women, dropping out of the workforce.

Governor Evers has proposed helping parents pay for the cost. But will it make it through the meat-grinder that is our state budget process? State lawmakers could decide any day now.

Ruth Schmidt, executive director of the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association, says the situation is dire.

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