Bill > SB01369

This bill establishes the Workforce Child Care Program and Portal in Connecticut to help working families afford child care by capping child care costs at 7% of a family's annual household income. The program will be administered by the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund Advisory Commission and is designed for families with children under 13 who are currently not receiving other child care subsidies. To fund the program, employers with over 200 employees will pay a 1.5% tax on their payroll expenses, which will be deposited into a dedicated fund. The bill also creates a centralized online enrollment portal to help families apply for child care assistance and includes provisions for salary enhancements for early childhood education workers. Participating child care providers will receive grants to help implement the reduced cost structure, and the program includes additional support such as professional development grants, scholarships for employees, and capital improvement funds for child care facilities. Starting in July 2027, the program may potentially expand to include before and after-school programs and emergency coverage for unemployed parents. The bill requires annual reporting on the program's impact, including its effects on the child care workforce, accessibility, and economic growth in the state.

Budget and Finance, Education

Committee on Children

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB01369&which_year=2025