As the owner of Vermont Glove in Randolph, Sam Hooper highlights the importance of public investment in affordable, quality child care for small businesses and working families in Vermont. He emphasizes the positive impact such investment has on children, the workforce, and the economy, but acknowledges that more progress is needed in the realm of child care.
Hooper explains that as a small business manufacturing leather work gloves, a reliable and skilled workforce is essential for competition with larger companies. Employee retention is crucial, and access to quality, affordable child care plays a significant role in this. Despite the inability of small businesses like Vermont Glove to operate their own child care programs or cover expenses, recent public policy shifts have been beneficial.
Act 76, passed in 2023, has provided significant public funding for child care in Vermont, resulting in the creation of new child care spaces and programs. This has lowered costs for families, including employees of Vermont Glove. As child care programs improve, employees can work with more confidence and productivity, contributing to the success of small businesses.
However, challenges such as child care deserts, staffing limitations in child care programs, and difficulties in hiring and retaining employees still exist. Hooper urges lawmakers to continue investing in child care in the FY26 State Budget to further stabilize, expand, and improve the child care sector in Vermont. By doing so, they can support children, families, and businesses throughout the state and build on the progress already made.
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