Washington, D.C. — With childcare costs squeezing families and employers struggling to retain workers, the Bipartisan Policy Center and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today announced the 2026 members of the Early Childhood and Business Advisory Council. The council’s unique model supports the expansion of quality, affordable childcare in communities and states across the United States by strengthening connections between the business and childcare sectors, and leveraging the expertise of policy leaders, employers, and advocates.
“Childcare is more than a family issue — it's an economic imperative,” said Aaron Merchen, executive director of care economy programs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “When providers are supported, parents can work, employers can hire, and communities prosper. The state teams participating in the Advisory Council have worked diligently to unlock opportunity and strengthen the workforce in their communities.”
What began four years ago as a nine-state initiative has grown into a dynamic, multi-year initiative supporting programs in 13 states, including 28 chambers, 12 early childhood advocacy groups, and six state administrators.
States in this cohort include Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee. This work, and the council, demonstrate that improving access to childcare is a nonpartisan priority.
Through previous Early Childhood and Business Advisory Council cohorts, members have helped advance meaningful childcare solutions including efforts to expand:
Childcare financing in Montana following the establishment of a $10 million Growth and Opportunities (GO) Trust in July 2025, from which 10% of all interest will go to an Early Childhood Special Revenue Account to improve early childhood access.
Business tax credits in Alaska to offset costs related to operating a childcare facility, providing employees with childcare assistance, and providing contributions to non-profit childcare providers.
Investment in Indiana through reforms to the employer child care expenditure income tax credit, encouraging more employers to provide employees with childcare support.
"Childcare has reached an inflection point. Business leaders, community advocates, and policymakers across the political spectrum are clamoring to work together to ensure hard-working Americans have access to quality, affordable childcare,” said Melinda Garrett, director of working families policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center. “The Early Childhood and Business Advisory Council is where we turn that shared urgency into action."
Childcare is a critical driver of workforce participation and economic opportunity in communities. At a time of economic strain for businesses and families, improving quality access to affordable childcare is essential for employers and workers.
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About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation harnesses the power of business to create solutions for the good of America and the world. We anticipate, develop, and deploy solutions to challenges facing communities—today and tomorrow.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is a Section 501(c)(3) public charity and does not engage in advocacy for or against legislation or in political campaign activity, as defined under federal tax law.
About the Bipartisan Policy Center
The Bipartisan Policy Center and its advocacy affiliate, BPC Action, demonstrate that impactful results are possible when both parties work together. Operating across the full political spectrum on domestic policy issues, BPC develops solutions that lower the everyday cost of living for families, expand opportunity, and strengthen the economy, while BPC Action works directly with lawmakers to advance those solutions in Congress.
For more than 20 years, BPC and BPC Action have consistently achieved results on complex issues, demonstrating that working together across the political spectrum is not only possible but essential.
