House Panel Expands Eligibility for Low-Cost Child Care Proposal

The House Education and Labor Committee approved an amendment to a proposed child care expansion that would make all families eligible to receive new benefits, instead of restricting them for top earners.

The panel is marking up its portion of a $3.5 trillion social spending and tax package backed by the White House. The committee’s bill would spend $450 billion to make child care more affordable and enact universal pre-kindergarten.

Labor Law Fines, Billions for Child Care, Pre-K in Budget Bill

The original bill proposed capping the cost of child care at 7% of household income for families earning up to 200% of median income in their state, with the full cost covered for the lowest-income households. The amendment, which was approved by voice vote, would remove those income requirements.

Democrats backing the amendment said the cost of child care creates a burden for all families, including middle class households in large cities and suburban areas.

“It is truly a universal program,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.).

To contact the reporter on this story: Andrew Kreighbaum in Washington at akreighbaum@bgov.com

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Sarah Babbage at sbabbage@bgov.com; Michaela Ross at mross@bgov.com