Child care has become expensive in the United States — more than $13,000 annually per child.

So many people want the government to pay for it.

STOSSEL: Little children and big government interference Back to video

My state just agreed. New York will fund free child care. Yay!

But wait … what government does isn’t free. Taxpayers pay. And taxpayers pay more because “government rules have unintended consequences,” says Carrie Lukas of the Independent Women’s Forum.

Washington, D.C., daycare teachers must have a degree in Early Childhood Education. That can take two years and cost $22,000.

“Of course, you’re going to have to pay a lot more when you’ve asked people to invest tens of thousands of dollars in degrees,” says Lukas in my new video.

Many dumb government rules

Many government rules are just dumb.

Illinois says providers must offer coins for payphones.

Providers must have “one crib with mattress, sheet and blanket per infant.” But wait! Illinois also says,........

© Edmonton Sun