Lack of affordable childcare a major hurdle for getting Montanans into the workforce

“The demand for workers still outstrips the supply — with 1.6 job openings for every one unemployed person,” the study reads. “Tight labor markets have increased competition for workers and driven up wages.”

It goes on to say the state’s labor market is “persistently tight.”

Child care is a major barrier, which the study notes. Legislation brought during the 2025 Legislative session sought to address this issue, including House Bill 924. That legislation created a trust that, among other things, puts money toward childcare.

However, a bill from Rep. Jonathan Karlen, D-Missoula, that would have made child care workers eligible for the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship for their own kids was vetoed by Gianforte earlier this summer, who argued the bill was costly and not as effective as other tools.

“We have people that want to work in childcare, that can’t afford to work in childcare, and then we have businesses that are trying to recruit employees, but those employees can’t find childcare,” Karlen said Friday.

By: Jordan Hansen