Kate Farrar

HARTFORD-- Representative Kate Farrar (West Hartford) led bipartisan passage of H.B. 5002: An Act Concerning Early Childhood Care and Education out of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee yesterday. This legislation aims to improve access to and affordability of early childhood care and education in Connecticut.

H.B. 5002 maximizes our public and private investment in early childhood care and education through the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund.

The bill establishes the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund Advisory Commission, which will develop a strategic plan for the next ten years. The commission will also make recommendations for investments in early childhood and education and provide reports on the financial status of the fund.

H.B. 5002 also proposes the Tri-Share Child Care Program. This innovative pilot program, implemented in Michigan and North Carolina, shares childcare costs among an employer, employees, and the state government.

"By prioritizing early childhood care and education, we're not merely ensuring our children's well-being; we're fortifying economic opportunities for more Connecticut families," said Speaker Matt Ritter (Hartford). "This legislation is a top priority for the House, and together, we can pave the way for a brighter, fairer future for all."

"I am excited for HB 5002 to pass out of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee with overwhelming support," said Rep. Farrar. "This is a significant step forward for our families and businesses and will build a more equitable future for all of our children.”

“This bill is a testament of our commitment to the children and families in the state of Connecticut. We recognize the need for investment and want to ensure that every child has access to early childhood education. This bill puts us one step closer to securing those much needed resources and focusing those dollars on those who need it the most. Early childhood care is the foundation which all children build upon for their futures. I’m proud that we are making these investments and I look forward to the continued work in years to come," said Rep. Horn (Goshen), House Chair of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee.

"This collaborative approach between the business community, working parents and childcare advocates aims to provide accessible, affordable, and quality childcare to parents across Connecticut while looking to grow our economy and providing workers and families with what they need to succeed and raise healthy well cared for children, Rep. Holly Cheeseman (East Lyme), the Ranking Member of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee. "I particularly welcome that the pilot program for this collaborative will be in my part of the state with equally shared childcare costs among participating employers, employees and the state."