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Children’s committee raises broad child-care support proposal, moves it out on roll call
Summary
The Connecticut General Assembly Committee on Children voted to raise a bill proposing a workforce child-care fund, a 7% cap on child-care costs, wage requirements, capital grants and a centralized enrollment center; the measure passed on a roll-call vote after members requested a recorded tally.
Hartford — The Connecticut General Assembly Committee on Children voted on Tuesday to raise an act concerning child-care support for Connecticut’s workforce, sending the concept forward after a roll-call vote.
The measure, described to the committee as a package assembled from public- and private-sector advocates, would create a workforce child-care fund, cap child-care costs at 7% of annual household income, set wage requirements, fund workforce development initiatives and capital improvement grants, and establish a centralized enrollment center. A motion to raise the item was made by Kit and seconded by Senator Marr; Representative Dauphine requested a roll-call vote, which the clerk conducted.
The bill’s proponents said the concept reflects ideas being explored statewide and aims to reduce costs for working families and strengthen the child-care workforce. Representative Dauphine said there were “several concerns” and asked for a roll call to ensure recorded positions. The clerk recorded the following votes as part of the motion to raise the bill: Representative Perez (yes); Senator Maher (yes); Representative Weylander (yes); Senator Cohen (yes); Representative Dauphine (no); Senator Martin (yes); Representative Belton (yes); Representative Kipp (yes); Senator Marks (yes); Representative Martinez (yes); Representative Mastro Francesco (no); Representative McGee (yes); Representative Pezzuto (no). The ayes carried the motion.
Committee leaders said votes would not be held open because of legislative deadline pressures. No final committee amendments or dollar figures were presented during the discussion; members asked that details and concerns be aired in subsequent drafting or hearings.
The committee chair and ranking members indicated this proposal draws on input from advocates in both the public and private sectors and will be refined as it proceeds through the legislative process. The bill will appear in the committee’s subsequent work for further consideration and referral as appropriate.
