Sponsors (4)
The bill directs federal funds and grants to expand child care capacity and workforce training—improving access for families and creating career pathways—at the cost of new federal spending and local matching requirements, with competitive awards and administrative limits that could leave some communities underfunded or slow program start-up.
Parents and families in child care deserts gain more local, affordable child care slots as grants expand capacity in underserved areas.
States and Tribal entities (and thus local communities) can leverage federal funds—including a 50% federal cost-share and an overall $100 million authorization—to expand child care capacity they otherwise might not be able to afford.
Individuals seeking child-care careers, especially low-income people, can get tuition, fees, and training support to earn portable and stackable credentials, lowering barriers to entering the child-care workforce.
Taxpayers face increased federal spending exposure (the 50% federal cost share plus an authorization of up to $100 million across FY2025–FY2031), which could raise budgetary pressure or competing priorities for federal funds.
States and Tribal entities must provide matching funds or in-kind contributions, which could divert limited local resources from other priorities or limit which jurisdictions can participate.
The competitive grant structure may leave some needy communities without funding if they are not selected, meaning some parents in high-need areas could be left without expanded options.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Introduced January 21, 2025 by Josh Harder · Last progress January 21, 2025
Establishes a competitive grant program at HHS (with Education and Labor consultation) that funds state and Tribal projects to expand the child care workforce and to build or renovate child care facilities in designated "child care deserts." Grants may be workforce or facility grants, run up to five years, cover up to 50% federal share, allow up to 10% for admin, and must supplement—not supplant—other federal/state workforce and education funding. The Act authorizes $100 million in total appropriations for fiscal years 2025–2031 and requires an evaluation and a report to Congress after the first grant cycle ends.