Increases child care subsidy rates and establishes a pilot program to build child care capacity in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene.

The bill increases child care subsidy rates to the seventy-fifth percentile for children earning up to $40,000, effective July 1, 2025. It allocates $123.5 million for this increase over the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium. Additionally, it establishes a two-year pilot program to build child care capacity in areas affected by Hurricane Helene, with $8 million allocated to five councils of governments. These councils will use the funds to create new child care programs and ensure their sustainability through mentorship.

Increases child care subsidy rates and establishes a pilot program to build child care capacity in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene.

The bill increases child care subsidy rates to the seventy-fifth percentile for children earning up to $40,000, effective July 1, 2025. It allocates $123.5 million for this increase over the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium. Additionally, it establishes a two-year pilot program to build child care capacity in areas affected by Hurricane Helene, with $8 million allocated to five councils of governments. These councils will use the funds to create new child care programs and ensure their sustainability through mentorship.