COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) – To strengthen South Carolina’s workforce, state lawmakers are looking into ways to improve childcare access and affordability.
One idea before them could help businesses recruit and retain employees while helping those workers keep more money in their pockets.
“If we support families by providing affordable, high-quality childcare, we give parents the tools they need to care for their children in safe, nurturing environments,” Children’s Trust of South Carolina CEO Sue Williams said.
The Department of Social Services is asking state lawmakers for $1 million in the next state budget to launch what is called a “tri-share program.”
Through it, childcare costs would be split three ways.
“Essentially, you have a piece of a pie — one piece of the childcare is paid for by the parent, one piece of the childcare is paid for by the employer, and the other piece of the pie is paid for by the government. In this case, it would …