Funding for Employment-Related Day Care (ERDC) Program
Cuts to ERDC have left 9,000 families on a waitlist and destabilized the child care market. Only 12% of eligible families currently receive support. Fully fund ERDC at $500M to eliminate the waitlist and rebuild Oregon’s child care system.
HB 2593: ERDC Impact and Access Report
ERDC’s outdated name and lack of outreach discourage eligible student parents from applying. Many families in need remain unaware they qualify for assistance. Rename ERDC to the Oregon Child Care Affordability Program and require DELC to report on enrollment trends, outreach strategies, and progress in increasing access for student parents and working families.
HB 2452: Enhanced Child Care Resource and Referral Services
Over 4,000 families with ERDC vouchers can’t find a provider due to ineffective referral systems. Empower local CCRR agencies to provide hands-on support for families and providers.
HB 2450: Child Care Impact Statement
As the state focuses on economic growth and job creation, many upcoming bills overlook the barriers parent workers face, like access to childcare. This bill would require a childcare impact statement to address these needs when expanding the workforce.
Inclusive Zoning for Child Care
Restrictive zoning laws make it difficult for providers to find suitable locations. Require local governments to allow child care centers in residential zones when co-located with churches, schools, and apartment complexes.
HB 3201: Supporting the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
Rising food costs leave 1 in 6 Oregon children food insecure, while many providers struggle to cover meal expenses. Increase meal reimbursements and create culturally specific menus for providers.
HB 2958: Expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
EITC eligibility gaps and low match rates limit its anti-poverty impact. Double the EITC match rate and expand eligibility to include all adults.
HB 3008: The Child Care Workforce
This bill allocates funding to recruit and retain child care providers, offer them health care benefits, and support workforce training through the Oregon Center for Career Development in Childhood Care and Education. It also ensures continued one-time $500 annual recognition bonuses for child care providers, acknowledging their critical contributions to Oregon's workforce and families.
