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Broad coalition backs 'Childcare Is Essential' bill; committee holds measure pending fiscal note
Summary
S 240 would create a new statutory framework for childcare, raise eligibility toward federal benchmarks, increase provider rates (including a new infant rate) and adopt fair payment practices. Sponsor and a wide coalition of advocates urged passage; committee held the bill and requested a fiscal note.
Senator Vargas presented S 240, the “Childcare Is Essential” bill, to the Senate Education Committee and described it as a comprehensive package to expand child‑care eligibility, increase provider payment rates and adopt payment practices that align with federal guidance.
Vargas said the bill would lift family income eligibility to 85% of state median income, increase provider rates to meet federal equal access standards, create a…
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