Sen. Reny introduces bipartisan bill to increase child care availability through State contracts with providers

AUGUSTA – On Thursday, May 15, Sen. Cameron Reny, D-Bristol, introduced a bill to increase the availability of child care throughout Maine by allowing the use of contracts between state agencies and child care providers. This would especially benefit rural areas and families of infants and children with disabilities. LD 1736, “An Act to Increase the Supply of Child Care Services Through the Use of Contracts,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services.

“As a mother of two young children and a school counselor, I understand the vital role that child care plays in the lives of Maine families and in our economy,” said Sen. Reny. “Unfortunately, too many Maine families are struggling to find the affordable, reliable, quality child care they depend on to be able to go to work every day. This bill will increase the supply of child care, especially for groups who have the most trouble finding care, by allowing the State to contract directly with child care providers for a certain number of slots. This will create stability for child care centers and families throughout the state.”

LD 1736 would require the State’s Office of Child and Family Services to enter into direct contracts with child care providers to provide child care slots for children under 3 years of age, children with disabilities, children in underserved geographic areas, and other categories of children based on priorities identified by the office. Contracts provide guarantees of payment and demand for child care services, ensuring stability that can help child care centers stay open, retain staff, and better serve our youngest residents.

In her testimony in support of LD 1736, Meg Helming, Chief Operating Officer at the YMCA Alliance of Northern New England, said, “This bill presents a timely and important opportunity to address persistent gaps in childcare access across our state by authorizing the Office of Child and Family Services to contract directly with childcare providers. As Maine’s largest childcare provider, we see firsthand how families—especially those with infants and toddlers, children with disabilities, and those living in rural or underserved areas—struggle to find stable, affordable care. LD 1736 creates a more flexible and equitable payment structure by allowing direct contracts that support providers in delivering consistent services to high-need populations.”

The bill faces further action in the Health and Human Services Committee.

Sen. Reny represents Maine Senate District 13, which includes most of Lincoln County and the towns of Washington and Windsor.

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