Walz highlights new child care opportunities for military families

State leaders highlighted new child care opportunities on Monday for Minnesota military families.

Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan visited a child care provider in Brooklyn Park to announce the launch of a new Department of Defense (DoD) initiative, which expands child care for military families.

Minnesota National Guard Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke and others also attended the event Monday afternoon.

Officials say it’s an important program that helps those who give so much for our country.

Organizers say any full-time military employee, including Department of Defense civilians, Minnesota National Guard members and reserve members, can use the program.

Manke said the program should allow for more child care providers to receive this funding to help military families than in the past when providers had to meet certain requirements as mandated by the DoD.

More information on the program is available online.