Mussman Highlights Expansion of Child Care Assistance During COVID-19 Crisis

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – To ensure essential workers have the child care they need during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, is highlighting Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s move to expand eligibility for emergency childcare assistance and increased financial support for emergency child care centers.

“During the governor’s stay-at-home order, it is critical that we each do our part by practicing social distancing and staying at home as much as possible to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and save lives,” said Mussman. “However, during this unprecedented time, many essential workers – like medical care professionals and first responders, mail carriers and restaurant and grocery store employees – still need access to child care while they work to keep us safe and ensure we have access to food and other supplies we need during this crisis.”

Mussman is highlighting Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s recent action to expand access to child care assistance to essential workers. Starting April 1, all essential workers in health care, human services, essential government services and essential infrastructure now qualify for the state’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). The state will cover most of the cost of care provided by emergency child care centers and homes, and this expansion of eligibility includes those working as nurses and doctors, supporting staff in hospitals, grocery store clerks and food producers. Full details and applications for assistance are available on the Department of Human Services (IDHS) website DHS.illinois.gov/helpishere and coronavirus.illinois.gov.

“I am proud to see our state stepping up to help families in need and taking action to address unforeseen circumstances caused by this crisis, like a huge increase in demand for emergency child care,” continued Mussman. “I encourage essential workers in need of childcare during the COVID-19 pandemic to take advantage of this opportunity and apply for assistance with IDHS.”

Mussman represents the 56th District, which contains portions of Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Roselle, Rolling Meadows and Palatine.