Rep. Ackert Advocates for Care4Kids Program

HARTFORD – State Representative Tim Ackert (R-8) joined other legislators to advocate for the Care4Kids program SB 993 ‘An Act Expanding Eligibility for Certain Families in the Care4Kids Program’ and SB 934 ‘An Act Expanding the Eligibility in the Care4Kids Program to Parents Enrolled in Other Types of School’ before a public hearing in the Education Committee.

The Care4Kids program run by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood helps pay for childcare costs for low and moderate income families. Currently the program serves 14,925 Connecticut children infant through school age.

Currently families must earn less than 50% of the state median income to apply for the program, an amount below the estimated minimum income needed to sustain a family in Connecticut. Rep. Ackert explained, “Restrictive eligibility prevents many families who cannot afford child care from getting help because they earn too much.”

Rep. Ackert also noted the program excludes parents who are trying advance their careers through education and job training, “Work only requirements are also problematic. They prevent parents who want to further their education from getting child care assistance while they are in class or studying.”

To learn more or to track this legislation visit the General Assembly’s website at www.cga.ct.gov.