2023 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

METL is a regional coalition of the Manhattan, Emporia, Topeka, and Lawrence Chambers of Commerce, which seeks to leverage the combined strength of nearly 3,000 member businesses and organizations, represented by 30 elected representatives and senators in the region.

METL is eager to work with state officials to explore creative solutions to the range of issues its member businesses say are their most pressing concerns.

Child Care

Exploring solutions to the lack of available childcare which is presenting significant hardships for many families as they navigate the postpandemic workplace.

Responses could include easing the regulatory burden facing providers and funding creative ways to incentivize opportunities that would result in more children being safely cared for.

• Explore the benefits of universal pre-K education in Kansas.

• Maximize the use of matching federal dollars for Child Care Development Block Grants (CCDBG) by committing additional State General Fund dollars to early care and education.

• Expand Child Care Assistance Tax Credits and making them accessible to more businesses.

• Create a cabinet level Child Care czar to lead the state in developing collaborative, innovative solutions to the childcare crisis for working parents.