Sen. Reny’s bipartisan bill to increase child care availability through State contracts with providers receives committee approval

AUGUSTA — On Thursday, May 22, the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services voted to advance LD 1736, “An Act to Increase the Supply of Child Care Services Through the Use of Contracts.” This bipartisan bill, sponsored by Sen. Cameron Reny, D-Bristol, would 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 families with infants or children with disabilities, and those living in rural areas.

“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 and quality child care they depend on to be able to go to work every day. I appreciate the Committee’s support of this bill that will help the people who have the most trouble finding care. Child care centers and families throughout Maine need and deserve this stability.”

LD 1736, if passed, 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 at its public hearing on May 15, 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 […] 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 now faces votes in both the Senate and House.

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

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