February 9 2024- State Senator John Fredrickson of Omaha has introduced Legislative Bill 856 in Nebraska, proposing a program similar to Kentucky’s, which utilizes pandemic relief funds to subsidize child care costs for child care workers. The Nebraska bill aims to make all child care workers eligible for aid, regardless of income, as long as they pass a criminal background check and work at least 20 hours per week at a licensed day care facility or in-home day care. Kentucky’s program, replicated by Fredrickson, successfully attracted more child care workers to the industry and increased available slots, particularly in rural areas. Research by Kentucky Youth Advocates indicates that the program supported child care costs for an additional 3,200 workers, benefiting numerous children by providing stable care opportunities. Kentucky is exploring ways to sustain the program using state funds as federal pandemic-related funds diminish. Iowa has already implemented a pilot version of a similar aid program
Legislation would cut child care costs for Nebraska child care workers
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