Last week, the Massachusetts State Senate unanimously passed S.2973 An Act to expand access to high-quality, affordable early education and care. This reform legislation will transform early education and child care in the Commonwealth by making it more accessible and affordable for families, providing high-quality care for young children, strengthening early education providers, improving compensation and professional development for the early education workforce, and addressing the workforce needs of Massachusetts employers. Mass Senior Care Association has supported and advocated for access to affordable child care which is essential to long term care employees. Access to child care is a key component to supporting the nursing facility workforce and attracting more workers to provide quality care for frail elders and individuals with disabilities.
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration before the end of the legislative session on July 31, 2022.