FAMILIES are set to receive monthly checks in August thank to a $110 million program.
There are only a few days left to apply to the scheme that benefits child care providers in a specific US state.
Families are set to receive monthly checks in August thank to a $110 million program[/caption]
It was announced by Governor Tony Evers in Madison, Wisconsin, that the Child Care Bridge Payment Program is about to launch in the state.
The bipartisan scheme will give a combined $110 million to child care providers in the state through June 2026.
The application period for the progam opened on July 26 and is set to close on August 3.
Payments will begin mid-August, and over the next year, there will be opportunities to apply to the program every month.
Evers praised the scheme for the “critical” investment it would be providing.
He said: “I’m proud our final budget makes this critical investment to continue our work to provide direct support to our state’s child care professionals who go above and beyond to ensure our kids have the high-quality care they need and deserve.”
DCF Secretary Jeff Pertl added that “An investment in child care providers is a strategic investment in working families, our children, our workforce, and the economic vitality of our communities.”
HOW IT WORKS
On the website, there is a strict schedule for when the payments will be made.
Each month there is a small window for extra applications to be made, as well as a date for when you will receive your payment letter.
This program also comes with a deadline for when you can spend the money, which is set at several months after it is paid.
It breaks down into two distinct sections, Payment Program A and B.
Payment Program A targets child care providers to support the costs and expenses associated with the role.
This includes things like operating expenses and supplies needed for the developmental support of the child.
Funds received each month under this program must be spent within 120 days.
Payment Program B is used to support costs associated with recruiting and employing child care staff.
Again, the funds need to be spent within 120 days of receiving the payment letter.
Each month, information will be released on the website on how payment amounts are determined.
PUTTING IN THE WORK
The Child Care Bridge Payment Program comes as part of the state’s wider effort to invest $360 million in the budget to stabilize child care in Wisconsin.
The budget includes $66 million for the “Kids Get Ready” initiative and $2 million to cut child care wait lists.
On top of this, over $213 million has been set aside to increase rates under the Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program.
Since the announcement of the state budget, parents and teachers have argued that this isn’t enough.
These groups, as well as community members, have been seen protesting outside the State Capitol to demand a bigger share of the budget be set aside for child care.
It was announced by Governor Tony Evers in Madison, Wisconsin, that the Child Care Bridge Payment Program is about to launch in the state[/caption]
