Regarding the January 4 Metro article “Maryland's Economic Problems Predate Pandemic”:
Child care prices in Maryland cost the state tax revenue and growth potential. This came according to a report issued by the Maryland Comptroller's Office. It was Controller Brooke E. Lerman (D) has been a longtime advocate for families, and we appreciate her continued dedication. The Maryland Family Network has been sounding the alarm about this issue for years, and we hope others will take note of the new report.
In 2018, Most Favored Nation published its own report, which estimated $2.34 billion lost in wages, taxes and spending due to child care issues. The comptroller confirms that the cost of care has risen significantly. We can be sure that the costs to businesses, the state and households are much higher than in 2018.
The report also shows that women are rapidly dropping out of the workforce. This should surprise no one. The Maryland Family Network surveyed parents about the cost of child care in 2022. Parents told us they are sacrificing doctor visits, prescription medications, and food to pay for care. If parents can't afford necessities, how can we expect them to pay upwards of $25,000 a year for child care?
How many more reports must be published before Maryland does what it takes to become the family-friendly state it claims to be?
Laura Wilderer, Baltimore
The writer is executive director of the Maryland Family Network.
