Good news! And now it's time to spread the word because, according to the O, most of us had no idea that in the 2007 legislative session our state legislators (go Tina Kotek!) approved a long-overdue increase. The Oregonian reported on 4.8.08 that this increase a 'Iittle known fact.' The state has made more money available and raised the qualifying income levels for its childcare assistance program, and - shocker - there are unused funds! We've discussed the sky-high cost of childcare before - this is an issue we all struggle with. The new assitance can make a big difference for families making tough financial choices. From The O:
[The assistance] made a huge difference for Lisa Fackler, a 29-year-old mother of two. With the increased state subsidy, her out-of-pocket cost for day care for 10-year-old Risha and 3-year-old Aaron at the YMCA dropped from $392 in September to $25 the next month.
About 9,900 families are currently enrolled in the state's Employment Related Day Care program. More than 500 new families signed up in February -- but that's still short of the 3,000 families the Department of Human Services predicted would be added to the program by July 1, 2009.
Are you a family who needs childcare assistance and think you may qualify? Know another family who should know? Check out the DHS website on Qualifying for Childcare Assistance or the Child Care Resource and Referral Directory or call 1-800-342-6712. For once, mamas, the money is there, waiting to be put to good use! Go get it.
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