PORTLAND, Ore. — Some relief to Oregon's childcare crisis may be coming from a surprising place.
The $280 billion CHIPS and Science Act, signed into law in 2022, includes a requirement for companies applying for over $150 million in funding to come up with a plan to provide affordable childcare for workers. It also encourages any other business receiving funding to do the same.
According to an Oregon State University (OSU) study, nearly all Oregon counties are considered childcare deserts, where every open childcare slot, there are between three and 10 children who need it.
Semiconductor companies are expected to add 3,000 jobs in the coming years, state economists said. Plus, the expansion of chip factories will create hundreds of construction jobs, which would put a drastic strain on the childcare system.
House Bill 4098, introduced by Rep. Jules Walters, aims to prevent this by facilitating how Oregon can invest federal dollars into childcare and construction trades.
"The workforce is key to our economy and childcare is key to the backbone of our workforce," Walters said.
As workers come to Oregon for these semiconductor and construction jobs, federal and state governments are looking to ensure the new demand does not stress an already small childcare system.
Walters said that proposals for CHIPS funding that include a clear plan for childcare will be given priority. The proposed childcare should, among other things, be located near the semiconductor facility (or site being constructed), accommodate all hours in which construction workers could work and have “reasonable” application requirements and process.
While the resources the bill would provide only address childcare for construction and facility workers at chip factories, some people are hopeful that this proposed model could be used create more childcare facilities for other industries across the state.
"This bill is a model that could be replicated in other states and for other federal funding sources," said Candice Vickers, executive director of Family Forward Oregon.
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