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Human Services seeks $76.7 million increase; childcare gap and Oakley workforce cited as top priorities
Summary
The Mississippi Department of Human Services asked the committee for a $76.7 million general‑fund increase—including about $47.9 million for child‑care subsidies—and proposed a $1.5 million pilot for community‑based adolescent diversion programs and career‑ladder pay adjustments for frontline staff.
Bob (agency executive) told the appropriations committee that the Department of Human Services (MDHS) is requesting a $76.7 million increase in general funds for the coming budget cycle, with the largest single item—about $47.9 million—earmarked to preserve child‑care subsidy levels for roughly 36,000 children in approximately 20,000 families.
Why it matters: The department said a failure to fund the request would likely force it to reduce child‑care subsidies and build a waiting list for assistance, which the department said would affect parents' workforce participation and education pathways.
Child care and TANF conversion
MDHS said it currently draws approximately $121 million from the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and can convert up to 30% of the current year’s TANF grant to CCDF (the agency cited about $26.5 million from TANF conversion). The department said these sources still leave a gap of about $47.9 million to…
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