“Georgia cannot truly be the best place to do business unless it is also the best place for those workers and their families to live and raise their children. That starts with recognizing that investments in young children are investments in Georgia’s future workforce and economic success. I would prioritize making high-quality child care more affordable and accessible, strengthening and expanding Georgia’s Pre-K program, and ensuring that the people we entrust with caring for and educating our youngest children can earn a living wage. Too many parents, particularly women, are forced to reduce their hours or leave the workforce altogether because they cannot find or afford quality child care. That is both a family issue and an economic development issue. We also need to ensure that every Georgia child has access to health care, nutritious food, safe housing, and strong early intervention and developmental services, regardless of their ZIP code or their parents’ income. Georgia has spent decades building an economic environment designed to attract businesses. We should bring that same focus and determination to building an environment where families can thrive. Our goal should not simply be to bring jobs to Georgia, but to make Georgia a place where people want to build their careers, raise their children, and stay for generations. “