In a significant development addressing the challenges faced by families due to high childcare costs, Vice President Kamala Harris announced a series of initiatives aimed at lowering the financial burden and supporting childcare providers.
The proposed rule unveiled by the Department of Health and Human Services includes capping childcare co-payments for working families at 7% of their income, with states encouraged to waive copayments for families below 150% of the federal poverty level.
To ensure stability for childcare providers, the new rule will facilitate on-time payments based on enrollment rather than attendance, offering them much-needed financial support.
Additionally, the administration aims to streamline eligibility and enrollment processes, making it easier for families to access childcare assistance. This includes encouraging states to accept online applications and providing presumptive eligibility for siblings of children already receiving subsidies.
These comprehensive steps seek to make childcare more affordable, accessible, and dependable.
Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.
