Raleigh, N.C. (WHKY) – North Carolina leaders are praising major new investments in child care and early education included in the state’s new budget.

Governor Josh Stein recently signed the spending plan, which provides more than $100 million to increase reimbursement rates for child care providers participating in the state’s Child Care Subsidy Program. The budget also establishes what officials say is the nation’s first statewide minimum reimbursement rate, aimed at helping providers remain financially stable, improve teacher pay, and expand access to affordable child care.

The budget also includes funding for new child care initiatives and rapid training programs for early childhood teachers. State leaders say the investments will help working families, strengthen the workforce, and improve access to quality child care, particularly in rural communities across North Carolina.