Recognizing the importance of affordable, high-quality child care to a thriving workforce and economy, our Advocacy & Policy Committee approved a letter of support for measures to ensure access to affordable child care – in line with our 2025-2027 Advocacy Agenda goal of calling for policies that strengthen the workforce.
The letter calls on the North Carolina General Assembly to adopt a child care subsidy reimbursement rate floor that ensures child care providers receive a minimum level of support. More than 500 child care directors and other leaders sent a similar letter to the NCGA on Oct. 14. EdNC shares more background on this recent advocacy and need for a subsidy rate floor and notes that several organizations and reports say a subsidy floor is needed, including Gov. Josh Stein’s Task Force on Child Care and Early Education and a February 2025 report from the NC Chamber Foundation.
Learn more about regional advocacy efforts around child care through the WNC Early Childhood Coalition ( www.wncearlychildhood.org) a group of early childhood organizations, child care providers, families, and business leaders that advocates for affordable, accessible, quality child care and early learning opportunities.
Letter to North Carolina General Assembly, October 2025:
Dear Legislators,
On behalf of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Advocacy & Policy Committee, I write to express our strong support for the adoption of a child care subsidy rate floor.
The proposed reimbursement rate floor, informed by both the 2021 and 2023 Market Rate Studies and incorporating a “hold harmless” provision, represents a critical step toward stabilizing the child care sector. It ensures that providers receive a minimum level of support regardless of geographic disparities, helping sustain services in both urban and rural communities. The cost estimate of $145M in additional recurring funding is well within reach for a state of our size for such a critical time to stabilize child care programs and prevent further closures.
In Buncombe County alone, the proposed floor shows significant increases over current subsidy levels – up to $300 more per infant per month for 5-star centers. These adjustments would allow providers to better compensate staff, maintain quality standards and expand capacity to meet growing demand.
Affordable, high-quality child care is not only essential for the well-being of North Carolina’s children – it is a cornerstone of a thriving workforce and economy. Working families are the backbone of our local businesses and their ability to participate fully in the labor market depends on access to reliable child care. The Chamber’s 2025-2027 Policy Agenda calls for policies that will strengthen our workforce – including ensuring affordable and reliable child care across our region.
We urge you to support the implementation of a reimbursement rate floor that reflects the realities of child care economics and supports working families across North Carolina. Doing so will strengthen our workforce, support small business and ensure your youngest citizens have the foundation they need to thrive.
Thank you for your leadership and commitment to North Carolina’s families and economy.
Sincerely,
Kit Cramer, President & CEO
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce