Senator Hastings continues his fight for affordable child care

As Governor Rauner continues to propose cuts for state agencies and services the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which provides child care assistance to thousands of residents in the 19th legislative district, is threatened to be eliminated again.

The program provides low-income, working families with access to quality, affordable child care that allows them to continue working and contributes to the healthy emotional and social development of the child.

“Single parents depend on this program to lift themselves out of poverty,” Senator Hastings said. “When we cut this program, these single parents will either lose their jobs or stop obtaining an education. Investing in these hard working families will pay dividends in the future, putting them on the streets is not the answer.”

Eligible parents include those who are receiving temporary assistance, participating in education programs, receiving employment training or are teen parents seeking a high school degree. Families that participate in the Child Care Assistance Program are required to cost-share on a sliding scale based on family size, income and number of children in care.

On July 15, Senator Hastings joined his colleagues at a press conference to express his concerns he has over the governor’s proposed cuts. Watch his full remarks here: https://youtu.be/lXcIVRQgGes