Texas Senate Bill SB1002

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the evaluation of and improvements to the quality of the Texas Workforce Commission's subsidized child care program.

Impact

The bill sets forth specific requirements for annual evaluations that will help to track and measure progress in child care services across Texas. This includes evaluating the number of children on waiting lists, the poverty rate across different local workforce development areas, and charging rates for child care services. The data gathered will be available to local entities, which could facilitate better coordination and effectiveness in delivering subsidized child care services. By emphasizing the value of quality and coordination, the bill aims to boost the overall standard of child care provided through state financing.

Summary

Senate Bill 1002 is focused on enhancing the quality of the Texas Workforce Commission’s subsidized child care program. This bill mandates an evaluation of current federal child care funds, performance measures of local workforce development boards, and various metrics that aim to assess the effectiveness of the child care program. The aim is to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape of child care services, including costs, quality, enrollment, and provider ratings as per the Texas Rising Star Program.

Contention

While the bill is positioned as a critical step towards improving child care services, it does not come without contention. Discussions may arise around the adequacy of funding for the Commission to fulfill these evaluation requirements and whether the data collected will truly reflect the needs of the communities. Additionally, there may be differing views on the implications for existing providers, particularly smaller ones who may struggle with the requirements for participation in the Texas Rising Star Program. There is a potential for debates regarding accountability and the actual impact of these measures on families relying on subsidized child care.