Porter thankful for CCDF funding, concerned about the closure of 300 providers

Today, April 14, Gov. Mike Braun announced that he will augment the Financial Responsibility and Opportunity Growth (FROG) Fund to expand enrollment for Child Care and Development Fund vouchers (CCDF). Provider reimbursement rates will not increase, continuing the 10% to 35% rate cuts. 

State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement

“I’m glad that Gov. Braun has finally recognized the need for action. He has finally heard the pleas of Indiana’s working parents, whose calls got louder after his reimbursement rate cuts. The legislature nudged Braun multiple times, including with my bill, House Bill 1026. 

“But the damage has been done. Since September, almost 300 providers have closed, 221 of which closed as a direct result of CCDF cuts. They can't just reopen their doors. Lower reimbursement rates still mean parents must cover a chunk of the cost. This does nothing to lower the exorbitant cost of care for the majority of families who don’t qualify for CCDF.

“This is a step up the ladder, but we’re still in the hole.” 

Rep. Porter’s House Bill 1026 included a “shall,” not the “may” provision in Senate Bill 4, for the augmentation of the FROG fund. The bill did not receive a hearing.