Child Care Continues To Be A Problem In North Dakota - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

Childcare is an issue both the House and the Senate are addressing this Legislative Session.

North Dakota's rapid growth is affecting childcare throughout the state.

Many jobs in the state continue to pay well, but childcare centers can't afford to keep up with other businesses.

The need for workers is putting a strain on childcare centers with room available for children.

"Parents should not have to struggle in this economically prosperous state to find someone to care for their children so they can be part of our expanding workforce, if good quality affordable childcare is not available we will have difficulty keeping our college students in North Dakota," Democratic Senator Joan Heckaman said.

Representative Kathy Hawken says childcare is not a democrat or republican issue, but a North Dakota issue.

Senator Joan Heckaman says solutions can be found in the coming months.

"And we will continue to fight for families and children with the rest of the legislators because the need is great and the solution can be found this legislative session," Democratic Senator Joan Heckaman said.

There are multiple house and senate bills being heard this session, which would improve childcare in the sate.