Rep. Mason Leads Passage of Measure Promoting Equitable, Data-Driven Childcare

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In her role as a leader in childcare progress in Illinois, state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, guided the passage of a new measure through the House of Representatives to guarantee data-driven, equitable childcare.

“Far too many children in Illinois childcare programs are living with care that does not meet their needs,” Mason said. “By consolidating essential data spread across a handful of different Illinois agencies, we can give caregivers new and effective tools to tailor care for every kid. This is straightforward and low-cost improvement for thousands of Illinois children who need better care, and thousands of caregivers who deserve more comprehensive information.”

As the Chair of the House Child Care Access and Early Childhood Committee, Mason has always taken a leadership role in streamlining, improving and advancing methods of childcare. She led the House passage of Senate Bill 406 to facilitate data-informed care for Illinois children using a new system allowing the Department of Early Childhood to gather information from the Department of Human Services, Department of Children and Family Services and the State Board of Education.

This bill has the backing of numerous education advocacy groups and received strong bipartisan support in the House and Senate. It now moves to the governor’s desk for consideration.

“If we’re committed to building a stronger future for our communities, we need to be committed to crafting a world-class education system,” Mason said. “Illinois has seen great progress in this effort in recent years, and I’m happy to help us take another step forward.”