Latest news with #ChildCareChoiceVoucherProgram
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Support for child care is popular as Ohio advocates still fighting for funding
(File photo by Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent). Polling continues to show government support for child care is a popular issue among all political sides. But advocates in Ohio are still preparing their arguments to boost state support as the budget process rolls on. The Ohio Senate is working toward a draft budget after the House approved its version earlier this month. As the process continues toward its July 1 deadline, child care advocates hope to get some things into the Senate budget that didn't appear in the House version. They say they're important not only for families in need of child care, but also for the state economy and the workforce that supports it. The House proposal included $200 million for the Child Care Choice Voucher Program over the next two years. The funding comes from the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant. Also included in the House proposal is the establishment of the Child Care Cred Program. It's a provision originally introduced as Republican-led legislation to split the costs of child care three ways — between the state, the business and the employee — when an eligible individual is employed by a business willing to apply for the program. Parents and workers involved with child care space met with advocacy group Groundwork Ohio on Tuesday to discuss the current level of child care support. They also discussed how additional state spending would increase child care affordability and access, and boost the wages of child care workers. Cheryl Rose said when she was a young parent working in food service, child care assistance based on her income helped her remain in the workforce and grow professionally. Now a partner at Constellation Wealth Advisors, Rose said workforce growth is the one thing that will drive prosperity, and workforce growth is possible through support for child care. That support creates longterm ripple effects that may not appear instantly, but will impact the state's financial future for years to come, she said. 'What happens is, 18 years from now, there are companies (growing because of an increase in workers), there are more opportunities,' Rose said. 'It creates multitudes.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Improving the lives of child care workers has its own ripple effects, said Christian Davis, founder of the Cincinnati Parent Empowerment Network. With historically low pay, child care workers are often on public assistance and can't afford food, let alone care for their own children. Bringing wages up and giving workers the ability to thrive boosts the care they can give, she said. 'The quality of your center is really a determinant of the quality of the staff to fill those needs,' Davis said. Groundwork Ohio wants to see the Child Care Voucher Program receive more funding to address affordability, and the group, among others, will to push for an increase to the eligibility level for the state's Publicly Funded Child Care. Gov. Mike DeWine's executive proposal raised eligibility for care to 160% of the federal poverty line. For a family of four in Ohio, that's $51,440. But the House left eligibility at 145% in its version of the budget, a level that the head of the Ohio Department of Children and Youth say is the lowest level of support in the country. The budget also comes at a time when 4 in 10 Ohioans don't have access because of a lack of child care facilities in their area, according to new analysis by Groundwork Ohio. The survey also found that, on average, a mom working full-time spends 27% of her median earnings on child care for an infant. It's worse for moms who are primary earners. Just 32% of Ohio households are headed by women, but they make up 59% of those in poverty, the study found. The average cost for an infant to be in child care in Ohio is more than $12,000 per year, according to Child Care Aware of America. Government support of child care enjoys significant public approval. New polling released by the First Five Years Fund, found 'strong support' among Republican voters for child care-related tax credits at the federal level. The recent polling found that 75% of Republicans think the inability to access or afford child care as a 'crisis' or a 'major problem' for American working families. A majority said expanding child care tax credits would 'strengthen the overall economy.' Of those Republican voters, 83% support increasing the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. It might be on the chopping block as congressional Republicans decide what to include in a funding blueprint approved earlier this month. The Trump administration is also considering a proposal to eliminate funding for Head Start, a child care program for low-income households. Head Start is among the programs child care advocates have said should be supported further to improve education outcomes and child care opportunities, rather than be cut. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Child care funding changes in final Ohio House budget draft
Children in child care. (Photo by Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent) The final draft of the Ohio House version of the state operating budget included some changes to their initial plans for child care, but no change to the eligibility for its Publicly Funded Child Care program. The omnibus budget amendment, released Tuesday and passed by the House on Wednesday, added $50 million in funding for each fiscal year to support the Child Care Choice Voucher Program, using federal funding from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant. The voucher program provides a subsidy for children whose income falls outside of the eligibility for the state's Publicly Funded Child Care. In Gov. Mike DeWine's executive budget, he wanted the PFCC eligibility raised to a maximum of 160% of the federal poverty line. The House, however, maintained the current level of 145% in both their initial draft and the omnibus draft passed on Wednesday. The Ohio Department of Children and Youth's director, Kara Wente, told the Senate Finance Committee the same day that the department estimates about 40,000 children live outside of the PFCC eligibility, making them eligible for the Child Care Choice Voucher Program, which has a current maximum eligibility of 200% of the federal poverty line. With the Senate beginning work to create a budget draft of its own, Wente went on to say the child care voucher program, which was established in April of last year, has already served 5,300 families and 8,000 children. The director said it's important for the state to support the program as child care continues to be an issue not only for parents who lack access, but also those who lack the ability to afford child care, especially at higher poverty levels. 'We know that families up to 200% (of the federal poverty line) are making less than $62,000 a year, and we know the average cost of child care in Ohio is about $11 an hour,' Wente told the committee. Ohio's eligibility level is 'the lowest in the country,' according to Wente, who continued to support the proposed expansion of publicly funded child care to 160% in the Senate committee. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Child care advocates have been pushing for improvements to Ohio's child care sector for years, with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce most recently holding a summit about the impacts of child care on the state's workforce. The state chamber, along with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Ohio-based advocacy group Groundwork Ohio, released a full report at the summit, laying out detailed impacts on the state's economy, employment and education. 'Ohio's child care gaps drive parents out of the workforce, reduce tax revenue for the state and put undue strain on households,' the report stated. The February 2025 research found that 'insufficient child care availability' costs Ohio $5.48 billion every year in lost economic activity. That includes $1.52 billion lost in tax revenue due to 'child care issues' and $3.97 billion in 'child care-related employee turnover and absenteeism' costs. The root of the issue, the report found, is low reimbursement rates for child care providers, along with low pay for those workers, and disproportionate distribution of providers, especially in rural areas. 'Ohio generally lags behind the rest of the Midwest when it comes to implementing policies to improve child care accessibility,' researchers stated in the report. Maintaining the support for child care, particularly for children in families up to 200% of the federal poverty line is one of the top goals for Wente and the state's Department of Children and Youth. She also told the Senate the department wants to see the application process streamlined, and payments for providers streamlined as well. Federal compliance through the use of market rates for providers and capping co-pays for parents at 7% of their income are also top priorities for the department, according to the director. Along with the Child Care Choice Voucher Program, the House's version of the budget keeps the Early Childhood Education Grant Program proposed by the governor, 'to support and invest in Ohio's early learning and development programs,' according to budget documents. Those programs include licensed child care centers and preschools. The budget draft also included $3.2 million for a 'child care recruitment and mentorship program,' and Publicly Funded Child Care payments would be based on a child's enrollment rather than attendance, if the provisions stay in the final draft of the budget. Also still present in the House's budget proposal is a child care cost-sharing model that would split the costs of care three ways, between the state, employers and employees. The omnibus budget amendments capped eligibility for that program at 400% of the federal poverty level. Wente said the department, which absorbed several other departments when it was established, is focused on meeting goals like child care access, along with lowering infant mortality rates and improving kindergarten readiness, even as the 600-person department commits to cutting 36 positions. She wants to see the infant mortality rate in the state improve from the current ranking of 43rd in the country. Modeling the state's programs on local measures like Cradle Cincinnati, Wente said a strategy that focuses on moms, connecting moms to resources and holding the state accountable for the outcomes would go a long way to continued improvement. 'What we're seeing be common across all states (with lower infant mortality rates), no matter their makeup, is that they're actually engaging with the families that are most at risk,' Wente said. Ohio has great 'foundational programs,' she said, but families need more assurances that they will be able to overcome burdens like poverty or a lack of transportation to get to those resources. With changes in the department and proper budget support, Wente said they have plans to bring a rise in all outcomes for children, including in kindergarten readiness through accessible, affordable child care. 'We, today, know that based on Ohio data, that economically disadvantaged children are 2.4 times more likely to demonstrate on the kindergarten readiness assessment if they've had any involvement in preschool,' Wente said. The House's draft of the budget removes the kindergarten readiness assessment, along with its use on the state report card, and 'related data collection and reported requirements.' Wente was also asked about pediatric cancer funding in the state, which would see a $5 million reduction in funding as part of the House's budget draft. The executive budget called for $10 million, which the director said would be used 'to really work with our research institutions and our children's hospital to figure out the best way to add to children's cancer research.' 'Pediatric cancer research is one of the lowest-funded research components in the cancer space,' Wente said. 'It's predominantly focus on adults, so we wanted to take a targeted approach to make sure that there was focus on kids. That has been reduced to $5 million.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ohioans urge support of child care tax credit, family financial relief in letter to legislators
Children at day care.(Getty Images) Groups advocating for child care and financial relief for Ohio families urged the legislature to let proposals in the governor's executive budget that would do just that remain in the new draft of the state operating budget. Local and state organizations such as the United Way of Central Ohio, Integrated Services for Behavioral Health, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio, the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development, the Ohio Urban Community Action Network, and Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio signed a letter asking that an expansion to publicly funded child care and the Child Care Choice Voucher Program be maintained, and for the child tax credit to move along with other measures to help Ohioans pay for and support their children. Dozens of individuals also signed the letter, including Franklin County Commissioner Erica Crawley, a former Ohio lawmaker herself. 'These proposals from Governor (Mike) DeWine represent a critical step toward making life more affordable for families, and ensuring children have a strong start to life,' Crawley wrote in a statement announcing the letter. 'And make no mistake, it will be good for businesses and our economy as well.' The commissioner said there is a 'direct link' between a productive workforce and affordable quality child care, care that is 'out of reach for far too many families in our state.' Danielle Sydnor, CEO of the RISE Together Innovation Institute, a group which signed the letter, opined about the struggles of Ohio families who are fighting just to afford 'basic necessities like housing, child care and groceries.' 'We stand in coalition to show overwhelming support to lower the cost of child care and to provide tax relief for working families,' Sydnor wrote in a statement. 'Together, we urge lawmakers to prioritize relief for families in state budget negotiations.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The letter was centered around organizations and individuals in Franklin County, pleading with state legislators to consider the 'future priorities of Central Ohio and our state.' 'Housing and child care costs have surged, wages haven't kept pace, and too many working people find themselves forced to make impossible choices between rent, child care, health care, and groceries,' according to the letter. The proposed child tax credit, which would give a maximum of $1,000 per child ages 0 to 6, would allow for financial relief, the groups and individuals who signed the letter said. Along with that, expansions to child care in the state to bring the eligibility of both publicly funded child care and the Child Care Choice Voucher Program to 200% of the federal poverty line would 'make life a little more affordable for working families.' 'The choices you and your colleagues make in this budget will shape the future of our region and our state,' the letter stated. 'We urge you to stand with the people in Franklin County and across Ohio by passing a budget that provides some relief to families with young children.' The letter cited recent research by child advocacy group (and letter supporter) Groundwork Ohio, who found in a poll of parents that 94% saw remedies to inflation and the cost of living as important concerns, and 84% of parents wanted to see reductions in the cost of child care. A separate analysis of the child tax credit done in February by Scioto Analysis found that the tax credit, which would be paid for using an increase in the state tobacco tax, would benefit the state economy to the tune of more than $700 million. Proposed Ohio child tax credit would produce $740M benefit to state economy, analysis finds Democrats in the Ohio legislature are supportive of the tax credit (and think child care should be a priority), while Republicans have expressed hesitation in moving forward with the plan. Senate President Rob McColley seemed cautious when discussing raising taxes on cigarettes, saying it will be 'a declining source of revenue.' If passed, it could be the first time a GOP-controlled state implemented such a child tax credit, with Indiana also considering such a move. On the side of child care, Republicans seemed to be more on board with the idea of improvements. Legislation to improve the child care sector has been introduced from both sides of the aisle, with the support of not only child care advocates but business groups and economic experts as well. A bill to establish a cost-sharing model for child care called the Child Care Cred Program drew supporters to a House committee hearing on the bill this month. Businesses and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce urged support for the bill to help lift the parental load but also give the state workforce a boost. T he legislation, and its companion bill in the Ohio Senate, are both led by GOP sponsors, making them more likely to succeed in a General Assembly over which Republicans hold a supermajority. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ohio budget must include support for child care access and workers, advocates say
Children in child care. (Photo by Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent) Child care must be a priority in the next Ohio state operating budget, advocates told a legislative committee considering the state's spending on child wellbeing, saying that a proper system would bring benefits not only for the kids, but for the state as a whole. 'Child care is the industry that allows all other work to happen,' said Chris Angellatta, CEO of the Child Care Resource and Referral Association. Leaders of coalitions and organizations across the state pushed the Ohio House Children & Human Services Committee to keep parts of Gov. Mike DeWine's executive budget proposal related to child care, and some even brought their own ideas on how the budget could work better for children, and the parents who could reenter the workforce if they had affordable, accessible quality child care. 'We've heard a range of challenges,' said Stephanie Keinath, executive vice president of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce. The chamber collaborated with the Montgomery County kindergarten readiness advocacy group Preschool Promise, holding meetings with local employers about their child care needs. The challenges it heard ranged from a lack of backup child care, confusion on how employees can navigate eligibility for benefits and 'the bigger challenge of how to increase capacity in parts of our community that lack the infrastructure,' Keinath said. The chamber of commerce also partnered with child advocacy group Groundwork Ohio and Wright State University for a summit on the impact of child care on the workforce, and interacted with more than 300 business leaders as part of the summit. 'What has become clear, through all our conversations with employers, is that there is no single solution that will work for all businesses,' Keinath told the committee. 'What may be feasible for some of our large employers will likely not be feasible for the over 48% of small businesses who cite lack of child care as a major obstacle for staffing.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Keinath was among the many advocates who urged the committee to continue the Child Care Choice Voucher Program, which is maintained in the newest House budget proposal, and would allow subsidies for households whose annual income is up to 200% of the federal poverty level. That's $62,400 for a family of four. 'This expansion of eligibility … is a key factor in ensuring that an important part of our workforce can return to work or remain working,' Keinath said. Among the other budget items the child care supporters pushed for was an expansion to the state's Publicly Funded Child Care program eligibility, which could rise to 160% of the federal poverty line if legislators move it forward. 'We know that this is a step in the right direction, but increasing eligibility to 300% could make an even greater impact on Ohio's children and families,' said Brianna Booker, policy associate with the Children's Defense Fund Ohio. That would be $93,600 for a family of four. The County Commissioners Association of Ohio joined advocates in supporting the child care changes that could make it into the budget. Montgomery County Commissioner and CCAO member Carolyn Rice said the counties, which administer public assistance programs like the publicly funded child care system, are 'uniquely positioned to recognize both the current challenges many families have accessing child care and the positive impact that child care can have on a family's journey toward economic prosperity.' But more could be done, particularly to help those who take care of children in those quality child care facilities, Angellatta said. He pitched a pilot program to the House committee that would create 'categorical eligibility,' to give early childhood educators full-time child care for their own children. The pilot program Angellatta proposed would start with a voucher for 1,000 children of child care workers in Ohio. The program would not only help a sector of the workforce that is 'driven by low wages and high turnover rates,' – with 43% of early childhood educators earning $11.60 per hour or less, according to Angellatta – but provide a strategy to bolster the workforce that faces a 'critical shortage.' 'This is also a recruitment activity, in which, regardless of someone's income, we want them to be able to come to the child care workforce,' Angellatta told the committee. Kentucky passed a similar categorical eligibility law in 2022, and other states are already supporting child care workers in similar ways, the association leader said. 'Ohio's economic competitiveness really depends on our ability to outperform our neighbors, and child care is an important part of that infrastructure,' Angellatta said. Outside of budgetary changes, the state has also looked into a cost-sharing model that would split child care into thirds, with the state, employers and employees all paying an equal share. A Republican-led effort to implement the measure is currently being considered in both the House and Senate. State Rep. Andrea White, R-Kettering, chair of the Children & Human Services Committee, said members will go into next week discussing recommendations for the budget document, as the House prepares to pass its version of the spending bill. The Ohio Senate has also begun budget discussions, on its way to a draft document of its own. The state budget is due to be finalized and ready for the governor's signature by July 1. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
