This bill establishes a program aimed at assisting families with the costs of child care in Minnesota by amending existing statutes and introducing new provisions. Specifically, it amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 142A.44, subdivision 2, to include additional criteria for families eligible for the Great Start scholarships program. The new criteria will allow families with at least one child receiving a Great Start affordability scholarship under section 142D.26 to transition into the program by July 1, 2028. The bill also emphasizes the importance of integrating early care and learning programs and soliciting community input in the development of these programs.

Additionally, the bill proposes the creation of a Great Start Affordability Scholarship program under new section 142D.26, which aims to make high-quality early care and learning more affordable for families. The program will provide scholarships to families with incomes below 150% of the state median income, ensuring that no family pays more than 7% of their annual income for early care and learning. The bill outlines eligibility requirements for both families and early care programs, establishes scholarship amounts, and sets forth administrative procedures for the program's implementation, including a dedicated scholarship account for funding.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 142A.44