FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct 16, 2025
Contact: Seth.Bundy@senate.mo.gov

Funding Approved for First Responder Child Care Initiative Championed by Senator Maggie Nurrenbern
 

JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, D – Kansas City, today applauded the Kansas City Council for approving funding to help lower childcare costs for Kansas City first responders through the Tri-Share Child Care Program. 

The new initiative was created through state appropriations championed by Sen. Nurrenbern and advocated for locally by Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw and Councilman Nathan Willett. 

Under the Tri-Share Child Care Program, the City of Kansas City, the State of Missouri and the first responder will share the cost of childcare for the dependent of the qualified first responder. Effectively, this will cut childcare costs for Kansas City’s first responders by two-thirds.

“I appreciate the Kansas City Council for stepping up to provide the local funding piece to support our first responders,” said Sen. Nurrenbern. “Going forward, I remain focused on improving access to quality, affordable childcare for every Missouri family.”

“I’m proud to champion this effort, because quality childcare is hard to find and even harder to afford,” said Mayor Pro Tem Parks-Shaw. “This is especially true for our first responders, where missing a shift isn’t an option.”

According to research gathered by care.com, childcare costs in Kansas City average about $2,300 per month, making it too expensive for most families. Meanwhile, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce released a report that found 28% of respondents reported someone in their household has left a job or not taken a job due to lack of childcare, creating a workforce shortage.

“Kansas City should always prioritize the needs of our first responders - especially those with young families. We must continue to recruit and retain high-quality individuals to bring our police and fire departments up to full strength,” said Councilman Willett.

State Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which helps craft the state budget each year. Through her work on this committee, Sen. Nurrenbern advocated and secured 3 million dollars in state funding for the Tri-Share Childcare Program for Kansas City first responders in 2025.

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