- Democratic Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey announced Tuesday a proposal to expand access to early education and state-subsidized child care.
- The proposal would not only guarantee access to preschool in the Bay State's 26 “gateway cities,” or former industrial hubs, but also expand eligibility for state-funded child care subsidies.
- “Too many parents are prevented from returning to work by the daunting costs of childcare,” said Healy, adding, “Childcare workers are faced with the choice between continuing in the profession they love or taking a high-paying job. “I am facing a difficult decision as to whether to take the job.” . ”
Parents across Massachusetts, especially in the state's once-industrial Gateway Cities, will have easier access to child care and early education under a plan announced Tuesday by Democratic Gov. Maura Healey.
The plan will ensure that every 4-year-old in 26 cities, including Worcester, Springfield, New Bedford, Taunton and Chelsea, has the opportunity to enroll their child in a high-quality preschool program at low or no cost. It turns out. said Healy. The program currently exists in 12 Gateway Cities. Healy hopes to expand the program to the remaining 14 countries.
Mr. Healey's proposal would also increase eligibility for child support financial assistance, the state's child care financial assistance program that helps families pay for child care and out-of-school time programs, to help 4,000 additional low- and moderate-income families. This will help them receive childcare.
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Healey's plan also qualifies households that currently earn 50% of the state median income, meaning less than $49,467 per year for a family of two and $61,106 per year for a family of three. It would also increase the number of households earning up to 85% of the state's median income. , or $84,094 for a family of two and $103,880 for a family of three.
Democratic Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey attends the inauguration ceremony at the State Capitol on Thursday, January 5, 2023 in Boston. (Jessica Rinaldi/Boston Globe, via AP, Pool, File)
Mr Healy said: “Too many parents are prevented from returning to work by the daunting cost of childcare, and childcare workers are faced with the choice between continuing in the profession they love or taking a higher-paying job. “We are facing difficult decisions.”
He is scheduled to outline the effort during his 2024 State of the Union address on Wednesday.
Mr. Healy is also expected to announce the continuation of state child care subsidies. The grant will also pay for a program aimed at improving quality and hiring more staff to increase the number of classrooms where families can send their children to day care.
Healey also plans to announce in his speech that he plans to sign an executive order recognizing “the critical role that child care plays in advancing our state's economy and competitiveness.”
With this executive order, the Governor is bringing together a team with experience in housing, child care, education, economic development, health care, and human services, as well as members of the business community, to expand access, build new child care facilities, and expand child care facilities. He said he would develop ways to reduce costs. family.
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Healy made the announcement Tuesday while in Malden, one of the state's gateway cities.
