|
In his FY2024 budget proposal, Pritzker introduced Smart Start,
which includes funding to expand the child care workforce
compensation contract, and also funding to help child care
providers improve buildings and facilities.
“Smart Start Illinois is all about quality childcare and early
education giving children the best possible start,” Pritzker
said during his budget address.
On Thursday, the Senate Early Childhood Education Committee and
House Child Care Accessibility & Early Childhood Education
Committee took testimony from organizations from around the
state with a goal of eliminating child care deserts in Illinois.
Phillip Hosfeldt, a child care coordinator in Johnson County,
said there is a dire need for child care opportunities in his
area.
“Four-hundred and fourteen children ages 3 to 5, only 38, or 12
percent of those children have access to child care,” Hosfeldt
said. “That means that the parents there are not even thinking
about what is the most quality child care option to them, simply
doesn't exist.”
Some lawmakers have urged caution on committing to new spending
on a permanent basis with fears of an economic recession still
in play, bringing a potential decline in tax revenues.
State Rep. Will Davis, D-Homewood, said he is concerned future
funding may not be used wisely.
“Smart Stat is increasing money into the block grant, and we
want to make sure it's going to get into the streets and not be
absorbed into administrations and I’m just wondering if we have
spent enough time talking about it,” Davis said.
According to the Illinois Report Card, there are around 76,000
students currently enrolled in pre-K programs around the state.
Pritzker’s plan would create 20,000 additional spots for
students over the next four years
Kevin Bessler reports on statewide issues in
Illinois for the Center Square. He has over 30 years of
experience in radio news reporting throughout the Midwest.
|
|
