Bill > HB2239

This bill establishes a Child Care Grant Program and a Child Care Infrastructure Fund, both to be administered by the Department of Economic Security (DES), to address the shortage of accessible and affordable child care in Arizona, particularly in underserved, low-income, and rural communities, as well as for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and during nonstandard working hours. The grant program will provide financial assistance to eligible applicants, which include existing child care facilities and providers, as well as individuals looking to open new facilities or become providers, for services like early learning, capacity expansion, business support, and increasing services for federally recognized Indian tribes. The Child Care Infrastructure Fund, financed by legislative appropriations and other contributions, will support activities such as planning, acquiring property for, repairing, renovating, and constructing child care facilities, as well as covering start-up expenses like workforce development, licensing, and accreditation, and adaptations required by licensing agencies, with the overall goal of promoting regional economic growth by enabling parents to participate in the workforce and ensuring children have access to high-quality, developmentally appropriate care.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/83956