# Talking Points — Elected Officials

*Community Engagement Hub — Messaging & Outreach*

**Format:** built for a five-minute conversation. Lead with the economy,
close with one ask.

## The economic frame (60 seconds)

- In [region], [X] parents are out of the workforce or under-employed
  because they can't find care. That's lost wages, lost hiring, lost tax base.
- Employers name child care among their top barriers to filling shifts.
- Every child care program that closes removes jobs twice: the providers',
  and the parents' jobs those spots supported.

## Three things that help (90 seconds)

1. **Count it as economic development.** Include child care capacity in the
   region's economic development strategy and infrastructure conversations.
2. **Make opening easier.** Review local zoning, permitting, and fees that
   slow new or expanding programs.
3. **Show up.** A council member at a coalition meeting signals to employers
   that this table matters.

## The ask (30 seconds)

**[Pick one: "Will you join our coalition's next meeting on (date)?" /
"Will you sponsor a review of local barriers to opening programs?" /
"Will you include child care in the (plan name) update?"]**

## If asked "what will it cost?"

"The coalition is employer- and community-led. Today we're asking for your
voice and your convening power, not an appropriation."

---
*Demonstration content — localize before use.*