Benton Helps Military Families Access Childcare

PLAINFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, is supporting military families by moving legislation through the Illinois House of Representatives to cut red tape regarding child care services for military families.

“We always need to look for ways to support families and members of our military, and this legislation does both,” said Benton. “Military bases have not avoided the shortage of child care providers we have seen across our nation and across Illinois. This bill will help cut some of the red tape restricting us from addressing these shortages, and provide support for some of the most valued members of our state: military families.”

Benton’s House Bill 5596 works by allowing child care providers serving military families on-base to bypass redundant state licensing processes when they have already acquired sufficient licensing through the U.S. Department of Defense. House Bill 5596 received unanimous support on the House floor. The bill now moves to the Senate.

“Supporting military families, cutting red tape, and working to fix the problems our state is currently facing, in this case, childcare shortages. This is the kind of work we here in Springfield should be focused on,” said Benton. “While work on these ongoing issues must continue, I am pleased to pass this legislation that will help military bases provide properly staffed childcare facilities for the families that live there.”