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Panel sends Smart Steps reporting bill to full finance to guide future childcare funding
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Summary
HB 2358, amending reporting requirements for the Smart Steps childcare program to inform future funding, advanced 12-0 after sponsors described it as a first step in addressing childcare needs statewide.
The subcommittee unanimously advanced HB 2358 to full finance on April 20 after sponsor Chairman Hawk described it as a reporting measure for the Smart Steps program. Chairman Hawk said the bill would ‘‘enable us through a reporting mechanism to know how we can better address [childcare] in years to come’’ and preserve evidence-based home visitation funding.
Representative Parkinson and others asked what changes the amendment made; Chairman Hawk explained that the prior version proposed a $25 million transfer from a TANF rainy-day fund but the amended bill removes the one-time transfer and focuses on reporting so policymakers can better determine future appropriations.
Deputy Speaker Zachary expressed support and noted local stakeholders, including Helen Ross McNabb, appreciated the work. The measure passed 12-0 and will go to the full finance committee for further consideration.
