Bill > SB1225

This bill amends the Illinois Public Aid Code to expand child care assistance eligibility for families with parents or guardians working in specific professional roles: mental health care workers, teachers, and health care providers. Starting in State Fiscal Year 2026, for families in these professions, the income threshold for child care assistance will be set at no less than 300% of the federal poverty level, which is significantly higher than previous thresholds. The bill provides detailed definitions for each professional category, specifying that mental health care workers include licensed counselors and psychologists, teachers include those licensed under the School Code or employed at private schools in Illinois, and health care providers are professionals licensed to deliver health care services in the state. By raising the income threshold for these specific professional groups, the bill aims to provide more robust child care support for workers in critical sectors like education, mental health, and healthcare, recognizing the challenges these professionals face in balancing work and childcare responsibilities. The bill will become effective on July 1, 2025, and will help ensure that families in these essential professions have greater access to affordable child care services.

Budget and Finance

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1225&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104