From Bruce Liggett of the Arizona Child Care Association:
“Just after 4:00 today the House and Senate passed HB 2051 which appropriates $18.2 million for DES child care. The bill is being sent to the Governor for her signature. There is no reason to believe she will not sign it as soon as she receives it.
I know everyone wants to know as much as possible, as soon as possible. Nothing is in writing yet, but I want to share my understanding of what the $18.2 million will fund. It is not official until DES sends notices, but here is what I have been told:
All the parents who received the 'Mass Change Child Care Notice of Action" that was sent last Thursday will be restored effective 3/15/09 . The 15,000 children with incomes between 110% to 165% of the poverty level who were cut are being reinstated. DES plans to send out a letter to parents and providers soon and a system generated notice early next week. Clients who lost eligibility for reasons other than the budget cuts are not affected.
The waiting list that began February 18th will remain in effect at least through June. The lower provider payments will be in effect April 1st. And the the co-pays will increase April 1st, but not by as much as was planned. The increases are described below
- At the lowest income level - Fee level 1 for full day it was $1 first child, .50 second child, etc,
- Fee level 1 was going to change to $2 per day for each and every full day child, but
- Now, for Fee level 1, it will be $1 per day for each full day child (i.e. no co-pay discounts for the second and additional children)
All this was accomplished with an incredible amount of effort. Thanks so much for all you have done. More to follow.”