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Tribal advocates keep up legal pressure for fair political maps; 12-member jury sworn in for Trump's historic criminal trial; the importance of healthcare decision planning; and a debt dilemma: poll shows how many people wrestle with college costs.

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Civil rights activists say a court ruling could end the right to protest in three southern states, a federal judge lets January 6th lawsuits proceed against former President Trump, and police arrest dozens at a Columbia University Gaza protest.

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Rural Wyoming needs more vocational teachers to sustain its workforce pipeline, Ohio environmental advocates fear harm from a proposal to open 40-thousand forest acres to fracking and rural communities build bike trail systems to promote nature, boost the economy.

Minnesota Families Find Ways to Cut Childcare Costs

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Friday, October 17, 2008   

St. Paul, MN – Some Minnesota families face tough financial choices as they try to sort out what they can, and cannot, do without. One of their nonnegotiable needs is childcare, and the costs can add up quickly. But there are ways to cut childcare expenses, according to Ann McCully, executive director of the Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network.

"Families should find out if they qualify for tax credits and examine possible alternatives to paying for full-time childcare. Could you exchange childcare with another family, or shift your work schedule so that you can utilize off-hour or part-time care?"

Ideally, the guideline is that childcare should cost no more than ten percent of a family's income, but McCully knows that's not always realistic. And, while cost is an important factor, there are other things to consider when choosing a provider. McCully advises parents not to pick the first provider listed in the phone book, or the closest one to your home or job site. Instead, she says, do some comparison shopping - and ask lots of questions.

"When you are looking for childcare, find an environment that both you and your child are comfortable with. Is there a focus on the child's needs? Do the providers have training in child development? Is there a consistency of care in the facility?"

To determine what tax breaks or grants parents may qualify for, an online calculator is available at www.childcarefinancialaid.org; Minnesota also has an online childcare referral resource online, at www.mnchildcare.org.



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