In a move aimed at bolstering support for working families, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has earmarked $5 million from the CHIPS Act toward a new childcare initiative. The Oregon CHIPS Child Care Fund, beefed up by House Bill 4098, is poised to start with a $7.5 million capacity to support apprentices and workers in the semiconductor supply chain.

Stressing the importance of child care for Oregon families, Governor Kotek announced that the fund is set to "quickly to support" the state's workforce. "Every family should have access to affordable, quality child care options when they need them," Kotek said. The Governor's office aims to rally behind the Biden-Harris Administration's plan to tackle child care scarcity and soaring costs.

Christina Stephenson, Labor Commissioner, echoed the Governor’s sentiments in a statement obtained by the governor's office. "Access to affordable, high-quality child care is crucial for fostering workforce diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in emerging industries," she mentioned. The Commissioner expressed excitement over expanding the BOLI-housed program to provide child care assistance to more individuals in the building and construction trades.

Business Oregon's director, Sophorn Cheang, highlighted the link between a robust workforce and childcare needs. "A skilled workforce is the backbone of a business, and Oregonians with families cannot thrive without having safe, local, child care options they can afford," Cheang said. The program is expected to "serve as a model" for other sectors in the future.

The initiative instructs Business Oregon to collaborate with BOLI in expanding the Apprenticeship-Related Child Care (ARCC) program. Additionally, House Bill 4098 allocates funds to Business Oregon's Child Care Infrastructure Program, enhancing child care facilities in areas impacted by CHIPS Act investments.

A new interagency cooperation between Business Oregon and BOLI will be forged to manage the CHIPS Child Care Fund. Moreover, Business Oregon is tasked with establishing a work group to develop financial contribution requirements for businesses benefiting from the fund. This group will report findings to legislative childcare and workforce committees by November 15. Governor Kotek officially signed the bill into law earlier this month.

For additional details, visit the Oregon government news release.