The Board of Directors of the Basalt Chamber of Commerce (BCC) endorses a YES vote on Ballot Question 7A, also known as the Strong Start Bright Future Campaign. This measure will establish the Confluence Early Childhood Special District and secure a critical, local investment in our region’s future through a sales tax.
Local businesses and employees consistently identify the lack of affordable and available childcare as the number two workforce concern, right behind affordable housing. This is not just a social issue; a lack of childcare is a serious economic impediment that directly impacts the operations and stability of our local workforce and small businesses.
The Board supports initiatives that address key issues vital to local business and economic growth. The fundamental questions the Board considers when weighing in on an advocacy issue are:
- Would this initiative support sustainable economic growth in our community?
- Are there any adverse effects that will impact Basalt businesses?
- Does the proposal align with the Chamber’s Mission Statement?
Ballot Question 7A successfully meets these criteria. The core challenge is simple: families are caught between the high cost of quality care and a severe lack of open spaces. This barrier often forces skilled employees to reduce their hours or leave their jobs entirely, hurting family incomes and increasing turnover for businesses in an already challenging environment.
Ballot Question 7A represents a necessary local solution. The proposed Early Childhood Service District, funded by a modest .25% sales tax increase, will create a dedicated, long-term revenue source to tackle both the cost and availability problems simultaneously. The measure is designed to boost affordability and accessibility for working families, strengthen the childcare industry by providing crucial operating grants, and support workforce retention by funding recruitment and professional development for dedicated teachers.
Voting YES on 7A is a sensible investment in the community. This collaborative effort will help families, boost the local economy by supporting the workforce and childcare businesses, and ensure more children have a strong start in life.
We urge all voters to support this measure as a decisive investment in both the current business climate and the long-term prosperity of the community.
Sincerely,
The Board of Directors of the Basalt Chamber of Commerce