Sponsors (6)
The bill provides targeted federal pilot funding to raise child care worker pay and potentially expand affordable, higher‑quality care—particularly for Tribal and high‑need areas—while increasing federal spending and administrative complexity with uncertain long‑term sustainability and reduced periodic congressional oversight.
Low‑wage child care workers (center- and home‑based) would receive regular supplemental wage payments, increasing take‑home pay and reducing turnover.
Parents and families—especially in high‑need areas—could gain greater access to affordable child care as improved worker retention and targeted staffing support expand availability.
Children could receive higher‑quality early care and learning because better‑paid, more stable staff tend to improve program quality and continuity.
Taxpayers face increased federal spending and potentially open‑ended future obligations because the pilot requires appropriations and the Act authorizes annual funding without a built‑in reauthorization limit.
Wage supplements might not produce sustained increases in child care supply or affordability and may benefit some providers/areas unevenly, limiting the program's real impact on access and equity.
Administrative burden is increased for States, Tribes, providers, and federal staff (applications, evaluations, reporting), which could divert time and resources away from direct service delivery.
Based on analysis of 9 sections of legislative text.
Creates a competitive HHS pilot program to fund state and tribal wage supplements for eligible child care workers to boost recruitment, retention, and care quality.
Official title: Implement or strengthen programs that increase the supply of quality child care services by enhancing the wages of child care workers, and for other purposes.
Introduced March 4, 2025 by Katie Boyd Britt · Last progress March 4, 2025
Provides federal funding through a competitive HHS pilot grant program that lets States, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations supplement the wages of eligible child care workers. Grants must be used to raise worker pay (with limited admin allowed), target high-need areas, include worker outreach and counseling, and be evaluated for effects on recruitment, retention, wellbeing, care quality, and affordability. The program is authorized to receive "such sums as may be necessary" starting FY2026 and the Act takes effect 75 days after enactment.