As Nebraska childcare costs grow, advocates launch statewide campaign to expand access

LINCOLN, Neb. —

Jessica and Cale Pallas did what many expectant parents do.

“We started looking for childcare as soon as we knew we were pregnant,” Cale Pallas said.

Then, at the hospital, came a surprise: twins.

The smiles in the delivery room eventually gave way to headaches as the couple hunted for childcare.

“It was literally impossible to find two infant spots,” Pallas said. “We’re on our fourth provider now for childcare in three and a half years.”

Childcare advocates say it is increasingly common across Nebraska. That’s what spurred the formation of a new group: Child Care Can.

Child Care Can held a campaign launch on Monday afternoon in Lincoln.

The group said it will work to bring together parents, childcare providers, business leaders and lawmakers to push for long-term solutions.

“Childcare is not simply a private issue for parents to figure out on their own,” said Elizabeth Everett, the campaign manager for Child Care Can. “It is part of the infrastructure that allows a state to work.”

Funded by Voices for Healthy Kids and the Alliance for Early Success, the coalition said inadequate access to childcare also has broader economic consequences.

Mike Cassling, chair of the Aksarben Foundation, said childcare challenges contribute to an estimated $1.6 billion in lost labor costs in Nebraska.

“A lot of our kids have left,” Cassling said. “We got to figure out, how do we start bringing those jobs here.”

Child Care Can is advocating for a multipronged, multiyear approach that includes state policies aimed at making childcare more affordable for families while strengthening providers.

One proposal would use tax credits to help families with young children and support the providers that serve them, Everett said.

But any new state investment would come as Nebraska faces a significant budget deficit and lawmakers work to balance the state’s finances over the next two years.

“The fiscal situation is going to be challenging,” Sen. Eliot Bostar said. “But at the same time, if we really want to address our fiscal posture for the state of Nebraska, we have to be more competitive.”

Advocates pointed to programs in states including New Mexico and Iowa as examples Nebraska could examine as it considers ways to reduce costs and expand access to childcare.

Cale Pallas said the need is immediate.

“It’s definitely been a strain for all of us,” Pallas said. “We’re back to having to make it work between us and grandparents and preschools and part-time providers. And it is an emotional drain.”