Self-described economic gurus, Statehouse Republicans are costing the Hoosier economy $1.1 billion annually in reduced spending and lost productivity for one simple reason: inadequate child care.

From the Terre Haute Tribune Star Child care shortage: A $1.8 billion Indiana problem

“The study finds that, because of the lack of access to child care, Hoosier businesses spend nearly $1.8 billion annually to pay wages of absent employees, for overtime and temporary workers, and for costs associated with reduced productivity.

“Overall, Indiana’s economy loses nearly $1.1 billion each year as a result of reduced consumer spending, income and job loss, and the ripple effects of the lack of child care. This equates to a $118.8 million annual tax revenue loss for the state.

The study also estimates that, on average, working parents with children under five are absent from work 13.3 days each year due to child care issues. Additionally, about 11,000 working parents quit their jobs to address child care needs.”

Indiana Democratic Party Chairman John Zody placed the blame squarely on Statehouse Republicans’ inability to recognize issues affecting working families. 

“Let’s put it in terms Statehouse Republicans allegedly understand, their policy failure is costing the Hoosier economy more than $1 billion,” said Zody. “This is more than an economic failure; Republicans’ inaction is costing working families the opportunity to balance work and a career and to do what’s right for their family.”

Self-described economic gurus, Statehouse Republicans are costing the Hoosier economy $1.1 billion annually in reduced spending and lost productivity for one simple reason: inadequate child care.

From the Terre Haute Tribune Star Child care shortage: A $1.8 billion Indiana problem

“The study finds that, because of the lack of access to child care, Hoosier businesses spend nearly $1.8 billion annually to pay wages of absent employees, for overtime and temporary workers, and for costs associated with reduced productivity.

“Overall, Indiana’s economy loses nearly $1.1 billion each year as a result of reduced consumer spending, income and job loss, and the ripple effects of the lack of child care. This equates to a $118.8 million annual tax revenue loss for the state.

The study also estimates that, on average, working parents with children under five are absent from work 13.3 days each year due to child care issues. Additionally, about 11,000 working parents quit their jobs to address child care needs.”

Indiana Democratic Party Chairman John Zody placed the blame squarely on Statehouse Republicans’ inability to recognize issues affecting working families. 

“Let’s put it in terms Statehouse Republicans allegedly understand, their policy failure is costing the Hoosier economy more than $1 billion,” said Zody. “This is more than an economic failure; Republicans’ inaction is costing working families the opportunity to balance work and a career and to do what’s right for their family.”

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – St. Joseph County Democratic Party Chairman Jason Critchlow, State Representative candidate Dr. Don Westerhausen, and Jennifer Faulkner-Jones, a South Bend resident with a pre-existing condition, called out Rep. Braun and Indiana Republicans at a press conference today for their repeated attempts to destroy coverage protections for Hoosiers with pre-existing conditions.

Rep. Braun vocally supports the ongoing lawsuit being brought by Curtis Hill, nearly 20 other Republican attorneys general, and the Department of Justice that would expressly dismantle coverage protections for the more than 1.1 million Hoosiers under 65 with a pre-existing condition. He’s also supported other major attempts in the last year to dismantle the nation’s health care system, including the 2017 House and Senate bills that would have raised health care costs for the average Hoosier by $1,000 every year, gutted HIP 2.0, and eradicated protections for pre-existing conditions.

Speakers held today’s press conference the St. Joseph County Democratic Party headquarters to make clear that Hoosiers’ health care is on the ballot this November. If Republicans like Rep. Braun get their way, Jennifer and Hoosiers with pre-existing conditions like her could be denied health care coverage or charged unaffordable rates for insurance.

“Rep. Braun isn’t just complicit in Republican attempts to dismantle the health care system – if elected, he’d actively help Mitch McConnell strip protections from the 1.1 million Hoosiers under 65 with a pre-existing condition,” said St. Joseph County Democratic Party Chairman Jason Critchlow. “Hoosiers like Jennifer know their health care is on the ballot this November, and it’s imperative that we all work for the next 43 days so that Rep. Braun can’t dismantle the health care system and raise health care costs by more than $1,000 every year for the average Hoosier.”

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