SCS/SB 776 - This act provides that the Children's Division within the Department of Social Services, shall develop rules to become effective by July 1, 2009, modifying the income eligibility criteria for any person receiving state-funded child care assistance, either through vouchers or direct reimbursement to child care providers. Persons receiving state-funded child care assistance with family incomes of less than 140 percent of the federal poverty level shall receive child care subsidy benefits, less a sliding scale fee established by the division based on family size and income.
A person receiving state-funded child care assistance and whose income surpasses 140 percent of the federal poverty level may continue to receive reduced subsidy benefits on a scale established by the division until such person's income reaches 185 percent of the federal poverty level. At such time, the person will have assumed the full cost of the maximum base child care subsidy rate established by the children's division and shall no longer be eligible for child care subsidy benefits.
If appropriations in a given fiscal year are insufficient to provide the subsidy established under this act for all eligible recipients, the division shall establish a waiting list and promulgate rules for the prioritization of eligible recipients on the waiting list. The sliding fee scale may be waived for children with special needs.
By July 1, 2009, the Children's Division shall be required to reimburse all licensed child care providers serving families receiving state-funded child care assistance at the current market rate for child care as established by the division's biennial state market rate survey.
This act is similar to SCS/SB 260 and 71 (2007).
ADRIANE CROUSE