HF 1, the “Great Start for All Minnesota Children Act,” to receive first House public hearing Thursday

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Thursday morning, the House Early Childhood Finance and Policy Division will hold a public hearing on HF 1, the “Great Start for All Minnesota Children Act.” Authored by Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (DFL – Eden Prairie), HF 1 includes new investments for early childhood education and development, child care, prenatal care, and home visiting. The committee’s discussion will focus on the early care and development component of the bill, including the creation of a “Great Start Fund.” This fund will increase the availability of learning scholarships focused on children from birth to age 3, addressing both Minnesota’s opportunity gap and high child care costs.

The committee, chaired by Rep. Dave Pinto (DFL – Saint Paul) will meet at 8:00 a.m. in Room 120 of the Minnesota State Capitol.

WHAT: Committee hearing on HF 1, the “Great Start for All Minnesota Children Act”

WHO: Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (DFL – Eden Prairie), bill author; Rep. Dave Pinto (DFL – Saint Paul), committee chair; Karla Smith, a parent whose family has benefited from early learning scholarships; Kiarra Zackery, a parent who has benefited from the state Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP); Shareece Gabriel, Child Care Development Director, YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities

WHEN: 8:00 AM, Thursday, March 7, 2019

WHERE: Room 120, Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Saint Paul