State Sens. Pamela Althoff (R-McHenry) and Karen McConnaughay (R-St. Charles) recently applauded the restoration of eligibility standards for Illinois’ Child Care Assistance Program, which will help families who rely on the program.
The two senators praised Gov. Bruce Rauner and other state lawmakers for reaching a compromise on an emergency rule regarding the program.
The emergency rule for the health program, which started July 1, saw 90 percent of qualified families lose access to services for their children, leaving approximately 70,000 Illinois children without access to programs. The mutual agreement will see the eligibility level change from 50 percent above the poverty level to 162 percent. Current copays will not change.
"This is a perfect example of how we can move Illinois forward and solve the state’s problems, as this compromise is the result of bipartisan cooperation,” McConnaughay said. “This will help Illinois families and save taxpayers money.”
Under the compromise, eligibility and other restrictions will be removed until further review by the governor and other legislative members.
“As members of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, Sen. McConnaughay and I are proud to have been involved in the bipartisan negotiations to restore fiscal stability to a program that we all greatly value,” Althoff said.
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