Illinois Bill HB 6164

[KEG123]

Can you all do me a favor? Two of my daycare kids are state funded, but the state is out of funding! 2/3 of my income, gone. I need anyone and everyone to write to their representatives. This link makes it so easy to do too! http://hcilin.seiu.org/page/speakout...yes-on-hb-6164

Thanks in advance!

[Blackcat31]

I tried to enter the required info to participate but it just keeps syaing that the location is not found. :confused:

I guess I am also not really sure what is going on with your state...if it is anything like ours, it isnt that the child care assistance program doesnt have enough money it is more that the parents on it abuse it and the state ends up paying out for services that never shold have been covered in the first place.

For example, I have a DCM that drops her child off everyday at 8:30 in the morning (and then goes home) but doesn't work until 3:00 so she has someone else pick up and care for the child (for free) when I close while the state is paying for child care services that in an essence arent really needed....big waste in my opinion but when I tried to "report" or complain about this situation, I am told "If you don't like how the state program is run, don't take state pay families"

So is your state needing to overhaul the assistance program, monitor it better or do they just need more funding overall? Or are they planning on doing away with it all together?

[KEG123]

I think they just need more funding overall. This bill is supposed to make it so they can pass the request for additional money. At least that's how I'm interpreting it. And did you put your full address in? Because I did. At first when I just did my street address and zip it said the same, location not found. But I entered it in full and it was ok. I'm also wondering, if you perhaps can not find your address because you're not in IL, like if its only an IL thing??? Not sure...

[Blackcat31]

I think they just need more funding overall. This bill is supposed to make it so they can pass the request for additional money. At least that's how I'm interpreting it. And did you put your full address in? Because I did. At first when I just did my street address and zip it said the same, location not found. But I entered it in full and it was ok. I'm also wondering, if you perhaps can not find your address because you're not in IL, like if its only an IL thing??? Not sure...

That is what I was thinking too but it gives advice to Canadian residents so I assumed it was for everyone....:confused: I dunno, but I will keep trying!

[KEG123]

Use this for the zip +4 if you aren't in IL, 61265-6021

[MyAngels]

Yes, this is an Illinois problem (as usual). If anyone outside of Illinois contacts our representatives it won't have much of an impact.

Our state budget is so far out of balance that it's getting to be embarrassing . We can't pay our bills. Nearly everyone who does business with the state runs the risk of not being paid for months on end.

I've been surprised that the CCAP program has been as efficient as it has for me. I was shocked when my April payment showed up on time.

That being said, feel free to contact our legislators and tell them you are from Illinois - every little bit helps ::.

I'm sure they'll come up with the funding. Probably borrow from the state's pension fund. Again.

[Fruitloops1]

I sent my letter. I heard a few IL providors are not getting paid for April and May until AUGUST! Hopefully at least. I dont understand, if you see your budget is off by $1.00 why dont you adjust your spending? Why let everything get out of hand like it is now?
What will you do if you dont receive funds for a child that is in your care?

[Christian Child Care]

HB6164 and the Child Care Blues!

Each year the state plays games with the fate of children. They keep cutting budgets for education and now they want to hold childcare subsidy. Child Care Centers like mine serve over half children who recive subsidy or or in the Foster Care System. We have very few full paying parents. We are not an overpriced center nor do we ask for handouts. But we have worked hard to meet the states Quality Rating Standards (We are a 3 Star Center) and we have to make sure we keep the great staff we have to keep those standards of quality high. We have staff scared again if they will lose their jobs. It is enough to give ulcers and we cannot afford to provide insurance. We at least have opperated with the fear that this could happen and have at least one months opperating budget in savings. I mentor other centers and meet with other directors and have first hand knowlage that they will just have to close their doors if the money will not come in.
We work so hard for so little recognition in childcare and I feel we are a pawn in political games. Happy Teacher Appreciation week!
Director
Christian Child Care

[Unregistered]

All 3 of the children I watch are state funded. The problem is not so much an issue with the spending within the childcare program. The problem is that the childcare program shares funding with other programs and because of over spending within those programs the childcare program suffers... we as childcare providers suffer and ultimately the parents suffer also. Most importantly, the children will suffer. Where will they go, Who will care for them, and above all how will the parents provide for them if they can't work for lack of childcare?

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8646162

http://www.actforchildren.org/site/DocServer/04.30.12_QuadCitiesDispatch_Budget_woes_alarm_providers.pdf?docID=2643

Both of these links support my statement.