Providers came together in SEIU Kids First to pass the bill drafted by the Scott County Licensed Family Child Care Association and our union. Together with our allies, we testified at the Capitol and called lawmakers to get their support.

The governor vetoed one version of our bill, which would have also capped background check fees. But over 200 providers called the governor after his veto, and with the support of our legislators, we stood together and won.

Next year we’ll go back and make sure background checks are moved to the state level, where they can be done more efficiently and where the cost is no longer passed on to providers and the kids in our care.

Click here to thank the lawmakers who introduced the bill for supporting providers and our families.

On May 11th, providers across the state showed our communities the important work we do, and asked our legislators to stand with us for more affordable licensing fees.

Providers delivered purple “Support Family Child Care” ribbons to senators and representatives, along with cards urging them to invest more in quality child care.

When Rep. Patti Fritz recognized National Provider Appreciation Day, the entire House stood and applauded us!

Across the state, providers put up signs on our homes, to let our parents and communities know about the day.

In St. Cloud, Mayor Kleis met with family child care providers Jan Stockinger, Jodi Schneider, Pam Koepp and Sandy Trossen.

In St. Joe, Mayor Carlbom met with providers Karen Budde, Stearns County Provider of the Year, Bonnie Budde and Cindy Hammerel, Benton County Provider of the Year.

In Sartell, Mayor O’Driscoll met with providers Cherilee Brockopp, Vicki Langston, Diane Kiley and Rachel Lolmasteymaugh.

In Rochester, Mayor Brede read a story to kids at Anna Telecky’s child care and issued a Proclamation for National Provider Appreciation Day.

Let's keep our momentum going! Sign up and we'll let you know when there are more opportunities to stand up for affordable, quality child care. 

SEIU Kids First family child care providers and our allies are working hard at the Capitol to win more affordable licensing and background check fees, so providers can focus more on our kids.

"Understand how important we are—we are the reason our communities work. Our bill will help us provide better services for the children and parents who depend on us.”

—Tanya Shorter of St. Cloud, who testified at the Capitol

We’ve testified at committee hearings, talked to our legislators, written letters and signed postcards urging Minnesota lawmakers to support providers and our kids. Because we worked together, we’ve gotten our bill to reduce the licensing fee passed in the Senate.

Soon, the House will vote on our bill. As that vote approaches, it will be more important than ever that we stick together and keep urging our representatives to support family child care providers and the kids in our care.

Sign up for updates on our bill and opportunities to make our voice heard!