Senate gives initial approval of Sen. Baldacci bill to support child care workers

AUGUSTA — On June 2, the Maine Senate unanimously voted in favor of LD 561, “An Act to Ensure Subsidy Reimbursements for Certain Child Care Providers,” a bill sponsored by Sen. Joe Baldacci, D-Bangor.

“Our child care providers fill such an essential need for countless Maine families, and they deserve to be paid in a timely fashion to ensure that that are able to take care of themselves and their own families,” said Sen. Baldacci. “Our child care providers keep our children safe, happy and healthy. Without them, many Mainers would need to find alternative solutions for childcare. I am grateful for my colleagues’ support for this legislation and for recognizing the key role these individuals play in Mainers’ lives.”

LD 561 requires the Department of Health and Human Services to reimburse child care providers for subsidies based on enrollment rather than attendance. Typically, enrollment numbers are higher than attendance, because children can be absent for a variety of reasons, such as illness or vacation. The switch from attendance to enrollment-based subsidy payments would help stabilize the child care sector after a number of years in crisis.

Similar legislation in the 131st Legislature, LD 2199, received unanimous support in the House and Senate, but did not receive funding and died at the conclusion of the 131st Legislature. In 2024, the federal Department of Health and Human Services under the Biden administration passed a final rule that would require providers be reimbursed on enrollment rather than attendance. Sen. Baldacci’s bill, LD 561, would enshrine this requirement in state law.

LD 561 faces additional votes and consideration for funding.