Utah Parents Feel Betrayed After Lawmakers Reject Daycare Bill

A proposed bill aimed at transforming vacant state office buildings into daycare centers failed to pass in Utah’s recent legislative session, leaving many parents feeling overlooked.

A Parent’s Struggle

Melanie Call, a mother who hopes to return to work, was devastated when the bill was struck down.

“I broke down in tears on the final day of the session,” Call admitted.

She left her job at a healthcare staffing agency in 2021 after struggling with the high costs of childcare. Policies at her company also prevented her from caring for her young son while working remotely.

“It feels like being a mother has pushed me out of the workforce,” she said. “I shouldn’t have to choose between being a mom and having a career.”

A Potential Solution That Never Came

Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla (D-Salt Lake City) introduced a proposal that would have converted unused government buildings into childcare centers. Under the bill, at least half of the spots would have been reserved for state employees, military members, and National Guard families, while private childcare providers would have managed operations.

For Call, this could have been life-changing.

“Knowing my workplace had an on-site daycare would have given me real hope,” she said.

A Growing Frustration Among Families

Many parents share Call’s disappointment, including Jenilyn Su’a, a single mother from West Jordan.

“It’s clear that leaders aren’t prioritizing the struggles of women in Utah,” Su’a said. “Ignoring the issue is a decision in itself.”

Stephanie Jerome, another mother, recalls how her husband had to leave his job years ago because of the overwhelming costs of childcare.

“It feels like our government officials just don’t care about working families,” she said.

Uncertain Future for Parents Seeking Childcare

With no clear solution in sight, parents like Call feel stuck.

“They keep taking away options, making it harder for parents to stay in the workforce,” she said. “Not all of us have a strong support system to rely on.”

The failure of the bill leaves many Utah families wondering what, if anything, will be done to address the ongoing childcare crisis.

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keelee-mccain

Keelee McCain is a junior at Weber High School. This is her second year on staff, this year as Assistant to the Chief. She does have a life (probably) but she can't think of anything to write in here, so she's probably just going to ramble now. She has an orange cat who she likes better than any human. If you see her being quiet or not sitting on top of a desk, there is something very wrong. In her free time she enjoys harassing her favorite teachers and sleeping. Her life plans include making it through high school and leaving. Happy lifeing.