New Economic Development Bill to Help Massachusetts Families and Child Care Programs

A new bill aimed at supporting economic development in Massachusetts was signed into law by Governor Charlie Baker last month. The law adds 150 million dollars to the initial 250 million dollars in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget to continue the state’s Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) Stabilization Grants. Grants can be used for a variety of expenses for child care programs as outlined by federal regulations including compensation, professional development, supplies, rent or mortgage, and COVID supplies. Distribution of grants takes into consideration each child care provider’s licensed capacity, workforce investments, and the vulnerability of the community they serve. The new law also includes a 315 million dollar increase in the state’s new High-Quality Early Education and Care Affordability Fund for a total of 490 million dollars. The fund is designed to make child care more accessible and affordable for families, providing high-quality care for young children, strengthening early education providers, and improving compensation and professional development for the early education workforce.