Dear friends,

We are encouraged that an initial compromise has been reached between the governor and lawmakers setting forth key changes to the Child Care Assistance Program emergency rules issued by DHS on July 1.

This is an important first step, and we have come this far because each of you have raised your voice and shared your story, but we have more work to do. It's time to take action on behalf of our neighbors. Today, we urge you to use the form on this page and email your State Representatives and State Senators and ask them to support child care and our community’s working families.

Additional Information
We understand the following proposed changes will be presented at the next Joint Committee on Administrative Rules hearing on Nov. 17.

• Income eligibility will be restored to 162 percent of Federal Poverty Level from 50 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.
• Families will no longer have to show proof of child support.
• Relative caregivers will not be subject to restrictive background check.

With these proposed changes, a family of 3, for example, will be able to earn up to $2,714 a month and remain eligible for child care rather than the $838/month that has in place since July. In addition, if and when a budget has passed, the Governor has agreed to return income eligibility levels to 185% of the Federal Poverty Level ($3,098/month for a family of 3).

The compromise announced today is a good first step. While these changes move through the administrative rule process, the legislative process must also continue. We at CNE will keep you updated as the process moves forward.