Montana committee hears testimony to expand Best Beginnings eligibility to 85% of state median income

Summary

Witnesses, providers and business groups urged the House Health and Human Services Committee to expand the Best Beginnings childcare scholarship so more working families can afford care; agency witnesses outlined participation and budget questions including an estimated $17 million appropriation for newly eligible children.

HELENA — The House Health and Human Services Committee heard more than two hours of testimony on House Bill 457 on Thursday, a proposal to change eligibility for the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship from 185% of the federal poverty level to 85% of the state median income.

Representative Jonathan Karlen, the sponsor, told the committee the bill is aimed at helping working families stay in the labor force by reducing a ‘‘benefits cliff’’ that can penalize families who earn a modest raise. "The bill I have before you today sets the income threshold for the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship program at 85% of the state median income rather than 185% of the federal poverty level for families who work," Karlen said in his opening remarks.

Supporters from across the state — child care providers, advocacy groups, business organizations and parents — told personal stories and offered data they said demonstrate unmet need. "About 66,000 Montana parents are not able to fully participate in the workforce because of childcare barriers," Grace Decker of Montana Advocates for Children told the…

Montana committee hears testimony to expand Best Beginnings eligibility to 85% of state median income

Summary

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