SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Yesterday, the Minnesota House passed two bills to improve access to affordable child care and early learning. HF 13 increases the maximum rates for all Child Care Assistance Program-eligible children. HF 150 increases the monthly child care stabilization base grant amounts for eligible child care programs and expands eligibility for early learning scholarships to children under the age of five years old. Rep. Larry Kraft (DFL - St. Louis Park) co-authored and voted for the legislation.
“The current child care system we have in place is holding back economic activity as well as children from reaching their full potential,” said Rep. Kraft. “The legislation we approved aims to enhance access to the vital child care many Minnesota families need. Furthermore, early learning centers are key to closing our education achievement gaps. I look forward to seeing these bills improve the outcomes for Minnesota students.”
Child care providers and teachers from around the state testified in House committees in support of the bills. The Senate’s companion bill is moving through the committee process.
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