Howard County, MD – Today, Arinze for Howard County Council District 2 called for a plan that would make childcare more affordable for working families. Howard County is recognized as one of the best places to live and raise children, but the rising cost of childcare is creating financial strain for too many parents—for some, $40,000 a year or more. That is why Arinze supports a plan that would provide quality childcare to income qualified residents at about 1/3 of the current cost by having Howard County’s government, local employers, and families pay an equal share—for the long-term benefit of each.

Visit www.voteforarinze.com/about to learn more about his campaign.

“No parent should have to choose between their paycheck, a promising career, and their child's wellbeing. By making quality childcare affordable and accessible, we not only support families but also build a stronger economy. My plan would give financial flexibility to parents, create a stronger workforce for employers, and inject revenue into Howard County’s economy: a win, win, win that benefits everyone—especially children,” said Arinze, candidate for Howard County Council District 2.

According to Child Care Aware of America, the average annual cost of an infant in family childcare in Maryland is $15,919 ($1,326 per month); and in center-based childcare, $25,321 ($2,110 per month). For a toddler in family childcare in Maryland, the average annual cost is $15,676 ($1,306 per month); and in center-based childcare, $22,594 ($1,882 per month). Altogether, the annual cost for Maryland families paying for an infant and a 4-year-old in center-based childcare is a shocking $40,832—more than housing and college tuition for a year. In fact, these costs are among the highest in the nation and place a significant burden on working families strapped for cash who have to choose between paying for childcare or quitting their job—and promising career. 

Arinze, however, sees a path forward. The state of Michigan has utilized a “Tri-Share” plan that he promises to adapt and enact in Howard County. Under the plan, employers that voluntarily opt-in would pay for a third of their employee’s childcare costs, the same amount that the Howard County government would pay, and the same amount that families themselves would pay. This would:

• Benefit families by saving them money and raising household income: with quality and affordable childcare, families would save a significant amount of money; and families would have the flexibility for both parents to work and earn full-time salaries.

• Benefit employers by creating a stronger workforce: with quality and affordable childcare, fewer parents would need to quit their jobs to stay home with their kids; and employers who opt-in would instantly become more attractive to talented employees with young families.

• Benefit taxpayers by raising revenue and creating a stronger economy: with quality and affordable childcare, families would have the flexibility for both parents to work and earn full-time salaries, leading them to contribute more to local tax revenue and spend more at local businesses.

The path forward is clear: supporting families through affordable childcare would strengthen the workforce, grow the economy, and build a more resilient community. With thoughtful leadership like Arinze’s, Howard County can set the standard in Maryland for how to balance strong families with strong economic growth.

Arinze’s affordable childcare plan comes on the heels of the release of his platform for "Creating a Thriving Local Economy,” which focuses on attracting new employers, supporting small businesses, and preparing Howard County's workforce for the future. Arinze also recently announced his plan to build up to 500,000 square feet of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) space to attract federal dollars and jobs to Howard County. Together with his call for affordable childcare, these priorities highlight Arinze's commitment to support both families and economic growth.

Arinze (ah-wren-zay) Ifekauche (if-uh-koo-chey) is a 39-year-old political strategist who has spent nearly two decades working in public policy and grassroots organizing on Capitol Hill, as well as State and Local government. Now, as a policy and communications staffer at the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention & Policy, Arinze fights to keep our neighborhoods—and children—safe. Visit www.voteforarinze.com/about to learn more about his campaign.