Delayed state childcare payments push Montana providers to the brink

Affordable childcare is essential for families and the economy

Saturday's State Journal article "A quarter of providers could shut their doors" described the devastating impact on childcare providers starting July 1.

Delayed state childcare payments push Montana providers to the brink

MILES CITY- Lisa Mullen has spent nearly a decade building her childcare business in Miles City, caring for nearly 100 children along the way.Now, she says, she spends just as much time worrying about whether the state reimbursement payments her business depends on will arrive in time to make payroll. Her story echoes concerns from childcare providers across Montana, who say delayed reimbursements under the state's new Best Beginnings payment sy…