SB 16-022 (Martinez Humenik/Pettersen) CCCAP Cliff Effect Pilot Expansion
Summary
This bill would eliminate the 10-county limit in the “cliff effect” pilot program under the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) and allow additional counties to participate in the pilot program. The pilot program addresses the “cliff effect” that occurs when working parents receive a minor increase in their income that makes them ineligible for child care assistance. However, the increase in wages is not enough to cover the costs for child care without assistance subsidy. The pilot program allows families to avoid a dramatic loss of assistance as their income increases.
Position
The Children’s Campaign, in partnership with the Bell Policy Center, EPIC, and others, has advocated for this common-sense expansion as there are counties in Southern Colorado, the Eastern Plains and parts of the Western Slope that should be permitted to participate in the program as well. Ensuring continuity of care and minimal disruptions in child care arrangements for families as their economic circumstances improve is good for the child, good for the family and good for businesses.
Current Status
Passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support and 69 total yes votes. Awaiting Governor’s signature.
Previous Statuses
February 19, 2016
Passed out of the House Public Health Care & Human Services Committee on a bipartisan 10-2 vote and is scheduled for debate on the House floor (Jennifer Corrigan, our Government Affairs Director, testified in support of this bill in the House Public Health Care & Human Services Committee this week).
February 12, 2016
Scheduled to be heard by the Public Health Care & Human Services Committee on Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 1:30 p.m. in Room 0107.
January 29, 2016
SB 16-022 passed the Senate on its final reading 25-10 with bipartisan support. It now heads to the House where it will be heard in the Public Health Care & Human Services Committee.
