AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee voted Thursday to advance an amended version of LD 1520, a measure from Rep. Cheryl Golek, D-Harpswell, that would direct the Maine Department of Education and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to study the feasibility of placing child care facilities in schools. The vote was 6-4 in favor with three members absent.
"Access to affordable child care is essential for a strong Maine economy," said Golek. "We need to think outside the box to find innovative ways to increase access to affordable child care, which will help Maine families make ends meet and allow our small businesses to recruit and retain a strong workforce. This legislation will bring key stakeholders to the table to study a potential way to do just that."
The study would focus on providing child care to the infants, toddlers and preschool children of school employees, along with other community members as space allows. The study would also explore how facilities could be incorporated to provide a learning environment for child care education and child development courses. A report of the study's findings would be due to the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee no later than December 2023.
The bill faces votes in the House and Senate in the coming days.
Golek, a member of the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee and the Joint Select Committee on Housing, is serving her first term in the Maine House and represents Harpswell and part of Brunswick.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Golek], c. 305-965-2744