IBLC comments on CCDF funding
Today, April 14, Gov. Mike Braun announced that he will augment to Financial Responsibility and Opportunity Growth (FROG) Fund to expand enrollment for Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) vouchers.
State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC), issued the following statement on behalf of the IBLC:
"I'm glad to hear that the outcry of Hoosiers is making a difference. CCDF vouchers are crucial for working families, and Indiana benefits when more parents can reenter the workforce by securing stable child care.
"With rising prices, Hoosiers across the board are struggling to make ends meet. This funding diversion could not have come at a better time. This funding will help daycares stay open, ensure that child care facilities are able to provide quality care for our children and help more parents get into the workforce to help support their families. While I wish this funding would have come sooner, it will make a world of difference for thousands of Hoosier families. However, over 21,000 children will be left on the waiting list despite this funding. There's still more work to do, and hopefully we can find a way to fund the remaining young people on the waitlist in the future."