Oklahoma's childcare crisis (with Rep. Suzanne Schrieber)

The Ellens* speak with Rep. Suzanne Schreiber about Oklahoma’s childcare challenges, emphasizing childcare as essential economic infrastructure that enables parents to work. Schreiber outlines costs ($700–$1,200 per month), staffing shortages driven by low wages (about $11.47/hour), and how “childcare deserts” are largely staffing—not building—problems. She discusses last year’s Strong Start First law to help recruit and retain childcare workers by covering their own childcare, and warns that a proposed $50 million cut could remove 35% of supported families and accelerate closures, noting over 300 providers closed from June to December 2025 (about 6,000 slots). The conversation covers federal match dollars, employer partnerships, regulation limits, and ends with everyone sharing favorite country music picks.