Spencer, IA (KICD)– The lack of childcare in Iowa continues to be a hot topic making its way to lawmakers in the early parts of the new state session.

Senator Dave Rowley of Spirit Lake addressed the problem at Saturday’s Eggs and Issues forum in Spencer noting the shortages seen today continue to date back to the pandemic.

Representative Megan Jones of Sioux Rapids notes there are some efforts underway in Des Moines to perhaps change some of the tax requirement for childcare providers.

Senator Lynn Evans of Cherokee puts part of the cause a shortage of childcare workers on the ability to undergo a health screening during the pandemic.

Representative John Wills of Spirit Lake looks at the childcare shortage as just a piece of an overall bigger problem.

The full Eggs and Issues kickoff for 2023 can be listened to by going to the “Podcast” page on kicdam.com. There are also two additional forums scheduled on February 25th and March 4th.