The House of Delegates passed HB-2206, legislation introduced by Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn to assist low and middle-income Virginia families with childcare costs during and after the pandemic.
The bill would allow eligible families with children under the age of 13 to apply for vouchers administered by the Department of Social Services to assist with the cost of part-time or full-time childcare at an approved facility.
Families making up to $88,000, are eligible and the legislation includes an emergency clause allowing for immediate enactment upon the Governor’s signature.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the immense value of quality, accessible childcare for Virginia families. These times have been incredibly hard on parents balancing the need to put food on the table while having to look after their children at home. This legislation will help lighten the burden on working families by making quality child care more affordable during this public health crisis. I am thankful to have the bipartisan support of my colleagues in the House as we work to protect families and build the foundation for a better Virginia.”
Filler-Corn’s office says that the most recent weekly U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse survey results for Virginia show that 48.5% of families with children under age 18 have lost income since March 2020 compared to 38.7% of households without children.
Virginia Scope is an independent news publication that is funded largely by donations and subscribers. As local newsrooms are losing writers each day, we are trying to fill the void to ensure that the public is informed and that leaders are held accountable for their actions. If you can chip in a monthly subscription of whatever you can afford, even $1, it will go a long way to helping us. Subscribe here. You can also make a one-time donation below: