(ABC 6 News) – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced Minnesota will join an initiative to expand child care benefits for military families with the Department of Defense.

According to the governor’s office, the Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood-PLUS initiative would increase child care options for military families, reduce the cost of care expenses by up to $1,800 a child per month.

“These families deserve affordable, reliable child care that allows them the flexibility to work, visit the doctor, and manage their lives. By increasing child care options and lowering expenses, we’re making sure our military families know we have their back,” said Walz.

The program is funded and operated by the U.S. DOD, with benefits paid directly to child care providers.

The governor’s office estimates Minnesota has about 1,600 active service members and 21,000 active National Guard and reserve members, as of Jan. 2024.