Bill would invest $100 million a year in early‑childhood fund to expand subsidies, raise educator pay and fund facilities

Hartford — Lawmakers on the Children’s Committee heard hours of testimony supporting House Bill 5,003, a proposal to put $100 million a year into the state’s Early Childhood Care and Education Fund and to use the money to expand eligibility for the Care for Kids subsidy, provide wage and health‑insurance supports to early‑childhood educators and offer capital grants to expand or upgrade child‑care facilities.

Supporters said the bill tackles a workforce and affordability crisis that is limiting access to child care across Connecticut, while opponents and some witnesses urged the Legislature to guarantee long‑term revenue rather than rely on one‑time transfers.

“Becoming a parent is one of the most life‑changing events people will ever face,” Rep. Brandon Chaffee told the committee. “For many parents, child care is their largest monthly expense…this bill seeks to address those systemic issues by stabilizing wages, expanding care and funding facilities.”

Why it matters: Testimony from providers, advocacy groups and local officials stressed that inadequate pay, rising insurance costs and insufficient facilities have reduced the supply of infant‑toddler and full‑day slots across the state. Advocates and municipal providers described families who delay or leave employment because…