“Intersection of Unemployment and Child Care” Virtual Meeting Recording

November 12, 2020 | Nicole Crain

Nicole Crain, Executive Vice President, ABI

ABI and its members have been working together to find solutions to the childcare challenges facing employees across the state.

Pre-pandemic, ABI partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation on a report, Untapped Potential: How Childcare Impacts Iowa’s State Economy. As a result of that report, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation supported two virtual events in October to discuss childcare.

The second event, Intersection of Unemployment and Child Care, was recorded, and I encourage you to watch it. It featured:

  • Laurie Todd-Smith, director, U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau
  • Julia Barfield, senior manager of policy and programs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Dr. Todd-Smith shared statistics about employment from the U.S. Department of Labor. Barfield discussed childcare issues specific to Iowa and COVID-19.

Members view childcare through the workforce lens, and ABI has included it in our 2021 legislative priorities. As Barfield said during the virtual meeting, “We see childcare as a crucial step to bringing us to a stronger economy…Access to high-quality, affordable childcare allows us to have a strong workforce.”

To participate in a future childcare-related event like this, join ABI and CIRAS on Nov. 18 for Avoiding Workforce Disruptions: Business and Education Partnerships. Register now. This virtual meeting will focus on the challenges employers face when it comes to employee attendance and turnover.