Slaughter Fights to Expand Childcare Assistance Program for Families in Need

CHICAGO – As local families continue to struggle with the overbearing costs of childcare, state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, is sponsoring legislation that increases access to the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for families who are most in need.

“Last year under the direction of Governor Rauner, access to childcare was dramatically reduced to those who need it most,” Slaughter said.  “That action was reckless, and left thousands of parents in the difficult position of trying to decide whether to go to work or stay home. Childcare assistance is a proven economic generator, and this proposal would reasonably extend it to families who need it.”

Slaughter is cosponsoring House Bill 721, which expands eligibility for CCAP to more low-income families by raising the income threshold from 162 percent of the federal poverty level to the previous state standard of 185 percent. If passed and signed into law, it is expected that up to 30,000 more families will have access to childcare assistance.

“Our most vulnerable children do not have access to the proper assistance needed to ensure their health and safety,” Slaughter said. “It is time to reinstate the previous cap, and allow more Illinois families to receive the assistance needed for their children.”

For more information, please contact Slaughter’s constituent service office at 773-445-9700 slaughterj@ilga.gov.