For efforts to make child care more affordable for families and to reduce the waitlist for income-eligible early education and care programs; provided, that subject to appropriation, the department of early education and care may use funds to expand eligibility to child care financial assistance to additional families with incomes up to 85 percent of state median income; provided further, that educators working in early education, out of school time and residential facilities licensed by the department may be eligible for prioritization pursuant to department policies; provided further, that funds may also be expended for informal early education and care benefits for families meeting income-eligibility criteria established by the department; and provided further, that not later than April 1, 2025, the department of early education and care shall submit a report to the executive office for administration and finance, the joint committee on education and the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing the number of children placed in care through this item
| | Education and Transportation Fund | ............... | 100% |
