Bill > S2085

This bill modifies existing provisions for childcare assistance, primarily by removing a sunset date, which is a provision that causes a law to expire after a certain period, from funding for childcare educators and staff. It also changes the eligibility requirement for waiving copayments for these individuals to families earning up to 85% of the state median income, which is a measure of the midpoint of income distribution in a state, and expands the funding to cover at least 20 hours of childcare per week. Additionally, families qualifying under this new provision will not have to pay any copayments, and their eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the department, aligning with the federal Child Care Development Funds definition of a "protected population." The bill also specifies that these childcare educators and staff must work at least 20 hours a week in licensed childcare centers or family childcare homes.

Budget and Finance

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