Bill > S1285

This bill would significantly expand federal funding and support for child care programs across the United States. Specifically, the bill increases the annual appropriation for child care entitlement grants to $20 billion starting in fiscal year 2026, with annual adjustments for inflation. The bill also establishes a new $5 billion annual grant program aimed at improving child care workforce, supply, quality, and access in areas of particular need. These grants would be distributed to states, territories, and tribal organizations, with specific set-asides for technical assistance, research, and administrative costs. Key provisions include supporting child care providers through start-up funding, technical assistance, workforce training, and compensation improvements, with a priority on serving underserved populations like dual language learners, children with disabilities, and families in rural or low-income areas. The bill requires recipients to submit detailed plans and reports on how they will use the funds to address local child care challenges, and mandates regular evaluations of the program's impact. The funding is designed to be integrated with existing Child Care and Development Block Grant programs and cannot be used to replace existing state and local child care funding. The bill aims to address critical child care infrastructure and workforce challenges by providing substantial new resources to expand and improve child care services nationwide.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1285/all-info