This bill was introduced in the Senate on June 6, 2023. This bill allocates funding to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for an affordable child care and early learning initiative. Children who are not yet of school age are eligible for the program regardless of their family's income, disability status, citizenship, or the employment status of a family member.
The program requires HHS to assist sponsors (such as states, local governments, tribal organizations, and nonprofit community organizations) that offer child care and early learning services to families.
Families are required to pay a reduced fee for the services, determined by their income. Fees are waived for children from families with incomes below 200% of the poverty line. Additionally, fees are capped at 7% of a family's income, regardless of their income level.