Childcare providers, teachers advocate for more state help

(ABC 6 News) – Monday marks National Day without childcare. Across Minnesota, people wore purple to highlight the number of parents who depend on childcare so they can go on and do their jobs.

The day isn’t just for childcare providers, it’s about teachers who also need a little extra help.

"To be a teacher in our profession is so important. But if you can’t survive, I mean, many, educators in our industry are poverty or low [income]," said Karin Swenson, the executive director of Meadow Park Preschool and Childcare Center.

"They are having to look to other sources to be able to keep themselves above water and it’s just not right."

The state is still deciding how it will use its $9.2 billion surplus and how much money will be allocated to childcare.