Campbell criticizes childcare rules changes, calls for increased funding

Yesterday, July 6, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) held a public hearing about proposed revisions to Indiana’s childcare rules. 

The proposed rule changes (LSA 26-158 and LSA 26-259) aim to reduce childcare costs, but do so by lowering education standards. Advocates fear they could result in lower wages, benefits and quality of care. 

State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) testified against the proposed rule changes and released the following statement: 

“These rule changes are not viable solutions to Indiana’s childcare crisis. 

“These rules ask providers to accept lower standards without addressing the underlying financial challenges that have led to over 300 childcare facilities in Indiana closing in the last year. Lowering qualifications might slightly reduce operating costs, but it does not create the financial stability necessary to restore the childcare capacity Indiana has lost. 

“If our goal is to increase access to high-quality childcare, I encourage the state to focus on policies that give providers predictable, sustainable funding while maintaining strong standards for early childhood education. This issue requires vigorous, direct solutions rather than superficial rule changes.”