​Child care is frequently at the center of family policy debates in Washington, D.C. and in state capitals across the country. As evidenced by the Biden administration’s proposal in April 2023, often the core focus is promoting broad access to licensed institutional child care as a tool to maximize parents’ participation in the workforce.

But the state of Utah’s approach has been markedly different – elevating families by incorporating the diverse needs and preference of parents into the conversation. State Rep. Susan Pulsipher joins the show to discuss her legislative work on child care issues, which includes tools to support working parents as well as those who leave the workforce to raise children.

The episode will leave you with a unifying goal: to help families move closer to what they identify as the ideal arrangement for their children and achieve the work situation that best supports that ideal.

Show notes:

• Work/Life Balance Preferences: Utah Parents
• HB0015 Child Care Amendments (utah.gov)
• HB0170 Child Tax Credit Revisions (utah.gov)
• HB0375 Office of Child Care Amendments (utah.gov)
• Parents want more time with their kids. We should find ways to help them – Sutherland Institute

Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, equipping listeners to become more effective champions of sound principle and good policy. Visit defendingideas.org.