The Northeast Indiana Early Childhood Coalition received nearly $5 million last year to launch the Tri-Share Plus program. The program splits the cost of child care between the employee, the employer and Tri-Share Plus funding.

A Senate committee unanimously advanced a bill Monday that aims to increase access to child care by streamlining licensing for child care providers with multiple locations.

Child care-related turnover and absenteeism causes a significant impact on Hoosier employers, according to the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.

Legislative leaders say they’ll continue to push for greater access to child care during the upcoming legislative session. Republican lawmakers plan to focus on easing regulations for child care providers across the state.