Untapped Potential: How Childcare Impacts Mississippi’s State Economy

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation partnered with the Mississippi Economic Council (MEC) and the Children’s Foundation of Mississippi on this report to better understand the unique needs of Mississippi’s working parents and how childcare breakdowns impact working parents, their employers, and the state economy. Mississippi families are pursuing postsecondary education and training programs to advance their careers and achieve economic and social mobility. This means there is great opportunity to strengthen the workforce and the state economy. However, childcare issues are often a significant barrier for student parents.

Our report estimates that Mississippi loses $673 million annually as a result of childcare breakdowns. 

Progress is being made in Mississippi, and both MEC and the Chamber Foundation are committed to supporting these positive steps forward. To do so, partnerships between early education advocates and the business community are vital to ensure that Mississippi’s children, families, businesses, and economy are strong.