Maine
Maine lawmakers discuss several new plans to address child care crisis
AUGUSTA (WGME) — There are several new plans to take on Maine’s child care crisis.
Lawmakers and child care workers rallied for the bills at the State House Thursday.
That includes investing $15 million into Maine’s child care affordability program and prioritizing lowest-income families on the waitlist.
Another bill would increase reimbursement rates for infant and toddler care, which carry the highest costs.
That bill would also fund care for off-hours for families who work second or third shifts.
Supporters say affordable, accessible child care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.
“Child care is not just, it’s not glorified babysitting,” Senate President Mattie Daughtry said. “These are people who literally, you know, are shaping the future of our youngest citizens. They’re teaching them crucial skills. What might just look like holding a pair of scissors or gluing down a collage together is setting down important neural pathways that will set up that child for success.”