The governor’s office credited the change in position to serious, good-faith and bipartisan discussions.
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The Governor instituted emergency cuts over the summer during the budget crisis. Previously, new applicants had been eligible for CCAP if they earned up to 185 percent of the poverty level. Under the amended rule, income eligibility will rise to 162% of the federal poverty level while current co-pays will remain intact. “Additionally, the governor’s office will establish a bipartisan, bicameral task force aimed at ensuring the long-term stability of the program”.
Even though this agreement was made, legislators will still vote on the bill.
“Childcare assistance helps keep families working”.
The agreement needs General Assembly approval.
Suspending restrictive background checks for relative caregivers.
“We’ve had child care centers close and child care workers laid off. People have lost jobs because they couldn’t get child care”, Zelms said.
State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, the House sponsor of the bill, in her own statement said she intends to call the bill for a vote Tuesday. The state’s child-care assistance isn’t a handout; it’s a critical resource that empowers working parents, helps break the cycle of poverty, and supplies the state with a stronger workforce.
“Overall, the ability of governor and lawmakers to work alongside each other is encouraging in the context of the larger budget fight”, said Emily Miller, policy and advocacy director for VIC. “Voices hopes this negotiation can serve as the framework for making further progress on the many issues impacting Illinois’ children and families”. “We must pass SB 570 to statutorily make certain that our children are never put in this kind of limbo ever again”.
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Now, at the 11th hour and ONLY AFTER bipartisan public outcry across Illinois over the pain and suffering caused by cuts that have kicked 70,000 kids off child care, Bruce Rauner comes to the table.
