Dupage Policy Journal

Gov. Bruce Rauner recently issued a statement announcing his decision to amend an emergency rule he handed down earlier in the year that lowered the income threshold for Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) eligibility.

“As a result of bipartisan discussions with legislators concerning the future of the Child Care Assistance Program, the Rauner administration today plans to amend the emergency rule it filed at the beginning of the fiscal year," Rauner said.

“Under the amended rule, income eligibility will rise to 162 percent of the federal poverty level, while current co-pays will remain intact," Rauner said. " Other eligibility and restrictions will also be lifted pending further review and legislative consultation. Additionally, the governor's office will establish a bipartisan, bicameral task force aimed at ensuring the long-term stability of the program.”

The change comes after lawmakers from both parties urged Rauner to compromise. The governor agreed to restore eligibility for the overwhelming majority of families receiving child care assistance. The CCAP-eligibility income rise to 162 percent of the federal poverty level is higher than most neighboring states.

State Rep. Ron Sandack (R-Dist. 81) was less than pleased, however, by the actions of many Democrats in the House, who attempted a political sleight-of-hand.

“Although a compromise was in place, House Democrats forged ahead with a planned veto-override vote on SB 570, legislation that would keep CCAP eligibility at 185 percent of FPL,” he said. “Their vote did not get the required support of 71 votes, as the final vote was recorded as 70-35-4. In my comments on the House floor prior to the vote, I urged lawmakers to back away from the veto-override vote on SB 570 and instead allow the agreed compromise to move forward.”