S.169 - Child Care Workforce and Facilities Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Child Care Workforce and Facilities Act of 2025 (S.169) aims to assist states and tribal entities in expanding their child care workforce and facilities, particularly in areas identified as "child care deserts." The bill authorizes grants for workforce development and facility construction, expansion, or renovation.
The grants are designed to increase access to quality child care, focusing on areas with limited availability. The Act emphasizes the importance of stackable and portable credentials for child care professionals and encourages coordination with existing workforce development programs.
It authorizes $100 million in appropriations from 2025 through 2031 and requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to evaluate the program's impact and report to Congress.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would likely increase the availability of child care services, especially in underserved areas. It could also lead to a more qualified and better-compensated child care workforce.
States and Tribal entities would receive funding to support training programs and facility improvements. This could also lead to increased workforce participation as parents have greater access to childcare.
However, the effectiveness of the bill will depend on the actual implementation by states and tribal entities and the ability to leverage existing resources.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to quality child care, particularly in child care deserts.
- Development and expansion of the child care workforce through training and credentialing.
- Potential for improved compensation and retention of child care providers.
- Support for construction, expansion, and renovation of child care facilities.
- Coordination with existing workforce development programs to maximize impact.
Potential Disadvantages
- The $100 million authorization may be insufficient to address the widespread need for child care support.
- Administrative costs could reduce the amount of funding available for direct services.
- The competitive grant process may leave some deserving states and tribal entities without funding.
- The 50% federal share requires states and tribal entities to provide a matching share, which may be a barrier for some.
- Potential for funds to supplant rather than supplement existing resources, despite the stated policy.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) of the Constitution, which grants Congress the power to provide for the general welfare of the United States. The provision of child care services can be argued to promote the well-being of families and children, thus falling under this clause.
Furthermore, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but the federal government can incentivize state action through funding. This bill provides such incentives.
There are no apparent conflicts with individual liberties or rights protected by the Constitution.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).