Forum Friday – The COVID-19 Child Care Conundrum

For the August installment of our new virtual event series, Forum Friday, Wisconsin Policy Forum Researcher Betsy Mueller discussed a recent report on how the COVID-19 pandemic upended Wisconsin’s child care sector, creating huge challenges for children and families seeking high-quality care and for businesses seeking to reopen.

Then, we invited our guest speakers to join the discussion. Wisconsin Department of Children and Families Secretary Emilie Amundson gave her take on the severity of the challenge and possible public sector responses, while Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce President Tim Sheehy shared his thoughts on what’s at stake for businesses and whether policymakers need to intervene.

Watch the discussion here:

During Forum Fridays, we discuss a timely research topic and invite notable guests and Forum members to join the conversation. This doesn’t replace our in-person events such as our Viewpoint Luncheons or Policy in a Pub, which are on hold for now during the current crisis. But, we hope this can be a new way to keep you informed and connected on our state’s most pressing public policy issues. Stay tuned for more Forum Friday events in the near future!