Sponsors (8)
The bill directs federal investments to expand licensed child care and strengthen the child care workforce—especially in underserved and Tribal areas—providing planning certainty and matching incentives, but it increases federal spending and places matching, administrative, and coordination burdens on States, Tribes, and smaller providers while leaving some funding and eligibility uncertainties.
Parents and children in designated child care deserts gain increased access to licensed, quality child care through federal support for facility construction and workforce expansion.
Individuals pursuing child care careers—especially those without college degrees—receive tuition, textbooks, and credential training that lower barriers to entering the workforce.
Child care workers may see improved retention and compensation, supporting workforce stability and continuity of care for families.
Federal taxpayers face increased spending obligations—covering at least half of construction/match costs and an authorized $100 million over 2025–2031—which could add to deficits or require offsets.
States and Tribes must provide non‑federal matching funds and administrative capacity to apply for and run grants, which can strain budgets and divert local resources.
Authorization of funds does not guarantee appropriation—Congress may not appropriate the authorized $100 million, leaving programs underfunded or uncertain.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Establishes a competitive HHS grant program funding workforce development and facility projects in child care deserts and authorizes $100M for 2025–2031.
Introduced January 21, 2025 by Amy Klobuchar · Last progress January 21, 2025
Creates a federal competitive grant program to help States and Tribal entities expand child care access in areas defined as "child care deserts" by funding workforce development (training, credentials, retention/compensation) and facility projects (construction, renovation, equipment). Grants may run up to five years, require a 50% nonfederal match, allow up to 10% for administration, and authorize loans and supports for resource-and-referral capacity. The law authorizes $100 million for fiscal years 2025–2031 and requires the HHS Secretary (with Education and Labor consultation) to evaluate and report on outcomes.