Adam Maxey

Lawmakers also heard that childcare is not just an issue for parents, but also for the workforce and the state's economy.

Adam Maxey, vice president of Government Affairs with the Oklahoma State Chamber, said they have heard from business owners and top executives in the state that the lack of affordable and adequate childcare affects their ability to hire staff.

77% of those business leaders name childcare as a major barrier for their workforce in a state chamber survey.

The most recent Ready Nation report from the Council for a Strong America found that every year the Oklahoma economy loses about $1.2 billion in revenue, productivity, and earnings due to a lack of childcare.