Maine proposes $15M to cut child care waitlists for low-income families, boosting access and affordability.

Maine lawmakers are advancing multiple bills to address the state’s child care crisis, proposing $15 million in funding to eliminate waitlists for low-income families in the Child Care Affordability Program. Measures include raising reimbursement rates for infant and toddler care, expanding off-hour care, and creating regional hubs to connect families and providers. A tax credit for businesses offering child care and grants for school-provider meal partnerships are also under consideration. Lawmakers emphasize that affordable, quality child care supports child development and family economic stability, with the proposals part of a broader affordability initiative.