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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Local parents, school officials and organization leaders attended a session held by State Representative Jessica Haak to discuss the rising issue of childcare in Jamestown and surrounding communities.

During the discussion, Verla Jung with Childcare aware stated that Stutsman County has a higher than average demand for childcare, with 90% of families in the area having both parents working full-time jobs. Jung stated that the communities could only meet 36% of the demand for childcare.

Haak mentioned that Bill 1227 had been introduced to provide income tax credit to caretakers, but was voted down during legislation. Representative Haak also pointed out that roughly $2.25 million in grants was available to the state to assist in building or expanding current childcare facilities in the state.

Executive Director of the Jamestown Chamber Becky Thatcher-Keller pointed out that it may be an explorable option to have childcare established by a business. A second childcare meeting is scheduled for 12:07 PM at the Gladstone Inn & Suites on June 29th to further expand on ideas or to discuss the issue of childcare in the Jamestown and Stutsman County.