Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF13

Introduced
1/4/23  
Refer
1/4/23  
Refer
1/23/23  
Report Pass
2/8/23  
Engrossed
2/16/23  

Caption

Child care assistance rates and funding priorities modified, termination and disqualification of human services providers and grant recipients procedures modified, child care assistance program and grant funding provided, and money appropriated.

Impact

The provisions in HF13 particularly emphasize prioritizing disadvantaged families for child care assistance. For instance, first priority will be given to non-MFIP families lacking a high school diploma or those needing education to secure future employment, including student parents. Additionally, by altering funding procedures, the bill sets forth stricter standards for providers who wish to participate in state-funded programs, potentially increasing the quality of care provided but also limiting the pool of approved providers. This change affects how state funds are directed towards child care assistance, focusing on educational needs and veteran families.

Summary

House File 13 (HF13) is a legislative proposal that aims to reform child care assistance in Minnesota. It specifically modifies child care assistance rates and sets new funding priorities for various community groups needing support. The bill outlines detailed procedures for the termination and disqualification of providers and grant recipients involved in human services programs. By amending Minnesota Statutes, this bill seeks to ensure that child care assistance is more accessible and better funded in the state, especially for families in urgent need of help, such as those with low income or special circumstances.

Sentiment

The sentiment regarding HF13 appears cautiously optimistic among supporters, who argue that the reforms could significantly improve access to child care for underserved families. They believe that prioritizing certain groups, such as veterans or families with educational needs, is essential to addressing systemic inequities in access to child care. However, concerns have been raised about the potential burden on providers to meet the new requirements, and whether this could reduce the availability of services in some contexts. Critics highlight that the modifications, while well-intended, may inadvertently lead to service gaps for families not covered under the new priorities.

Contention

Opponents of HF13 argue that while the intent is noble, the execution may create barriers rather than solutions. They fear that by focusing funding on specific criteria for eligibility, other families who are also in need of assistance may be overlooked. Furthermore, the requirement for transparency and accountability in funding and assistance procedures has sparked debate over how such measures would be enforced and the implications for current providers. The balance between increasing standards and maintaining accessibility remains a central point of contention among legislators and advocacy groups.

Companion Bills

MN SF14

Similar To Child care assistance rates modification

Previously Filed As

MN HF2039

Child care assistance program modified.

MN SF2215

Child care assistance program modification

MN SF14

Child care assistance rates modification

MN HF2910

Various child care, health, human services, and housing governing provisions modified; forecast adjustments made; technical and conforming changes made; funds allocated; grants established; reports required; and money transferred and appropriated.

MN HF1198

Child care assistance expanded, grants and rules regarding children's mental health expanded and modified, transition to community initiative modified, staff training requirements modified, covered transportation services modified, coverage of clinical care coordination modified, children's long-term stays in emergency room rules modified, rural family response and stabilization services pilot program established, and money appropriated.

MN HF3826

Child care services grants funding provided for staff training, and money appropriated.

MN HF2900

Child care, child safety and permanency, child support, economic assistance, deep poverty, housing and homelessness, behavioral health, medical education and research cost account, MinnesotaCare, Tribal Elder Office, background studies, and licensing governing provisions modified; and money appropriated.

MN HF1070

Temporary priorities for basic sliding fee child care made permanent.

MN HF150

Child care stabilization base grants and early learning scholarships modified, and money appropriated.

MN HF2143

Mental illness definition modified, changes to medical assistance transportation reimbursement rates made, grant program for children at risk of bipolar disorder established, report required, children's first episode of psychosis program funding provided, and money appropriated.

Similar Bills

MN SF2298

Omnibus Housing and Homelessness Prevention policy and appropriations

MN SF267

Increase Teacher of Color Act in higher education strengthening

MN HF381

Increase Teachers of Color Act in higher education strengthened, pilot scholarship program for aspiring teachers of color made permanent, special revenue fund account established, teacher shortage loan repayment program provisions modified, and money appropriated.

MN HF2309

Housing policy bill.

MN SF4027

Omnibus Jobs and Economic Development policy bill

MN HF4552

Minnesota Statutes language concerning expired human services reports to the legislature removed.

MN SF4864

Language removal from Minnesota Statutes concerning expired human services reports to the legislature

MN HF2223

Direct payments to taxpayers provided, and money appropriated.