Republicans strike down amendments funding child care and Pre-K vouchers

Today, State Rep. Gregory W. Porter offered two amendments to House Bill 1177 in the House Committee on Ways and Means. The amendments offered two different options to reverse the cuts and fully fund the Child Care Development Voucher Fund (CCDF) and the On My Way Pre-K program (OMWPK). 

The first amendment would have appropriated $300 million from the Financial Responsibility and Opportunity Growth Fund. The second amendment would have appropriated $256.7 million from the State General Fund. Both amendments were voted down. 

“Indiana has a child care crisis, not challenges, not difficulties,’ Porter said. “It’s a crisis. Child care centers can’t keep their doors open after the reimbursement rate cuts. Since September, close to 200 providers have already closed. 

“A properly funded child care system is an investment in our society. It’s about getting kids the care they need and ensuring our parents are able to work to support their families. Parents shouldn’t have to choose between their livelihoods and caring for their children. 

“These amendments were common-sense solutions that supported our families with existing revenue. But Republicans voted them down. They continue to prioritize a ballooning surplus over the real needs of Hoosier families.”