Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0377

Introduced
2/16/23  

Caption

The Rhode Island Works Program

Impact

The bill impacts several aspects of state law, particularly around the eligibility criteria and provisions for childcare assistance. Notably, it allows families with incomes below 100% of the federal poverty level to receive free childcare, while those earning between 100% and 200% will have a sliding fee scale capped at 7% of their income. Moreover, it provisions that families who exceed the income cap for childcare can continue receiving assistance until their income surpasses 300% of the poverty level, which provides a safety net for families experiencing fluctuations in income. These changes are expected to simplify access to childcare for low-income families and alleviate some financial pressures associated with childcare costs.

Summary

Bill S0377, titled the Rhode Island Works Program, focuses on revising childcare assistance provisions for families in Rhode Island. It aims to ensure that eligible families receive appropriate childcare services, particularly those individuals needing such assistance to comply with work requirements. The bill amends existing laws to broaden access to childcare for families earning up to two hundred percent of the federal poverty level, ensuring that they can receive necessary support without excessive financial burden. The intent is to support working families and enhance their ability to participate actively in the workforce.

Contention

Some areas of discussion surrounding S0377 include concerns over conditional eligibility that ties childcare assistance to the establishment of paternity and the enforcement of child support orders. The bill addresses this by proposing that parents or caretakers can qualify for assistance without prior enforcement of these necessities, which reflects a significant shift in policy aimed at reducing barriers for families in need. However, there is ongoing debate regarding the potential implications of this change on child support outcomes and the overall effectiveness of the program in ensuring that children receive the necessary support for their care and development. Overall, while the intent of the bill is to foster greater support for families, the proposed changes raise questions about the balance between access to resources and enforcement of child support responsibilities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6169

The Rhode Island Works Program

RI H8350

The Rhode Island Works Program

RI S0227

The Rhode Island Works Program

RI H5644

The Rhode Island Works Program

RI H7789

The Rhode Island Works Program

RI S2316

The Rhode Island Works Program

RI H7404

Relocates certain provisions of the general laws relating to child care assistance from the Rhode Island Works Program to the chapter on child care state subsidies.

RI S0522

Rhode Island Childcare Essential Act

RI H5193

Rhode Island Childcare Essential Act

RI H5281

Creates the Rhode Island Childcare Assistance Program that governs both family eligibility for the state’s childcare subsidy program and expands eligibility for the program to meet the federal eligibility benchmark.

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