IL SB0419

Amends Section 9A-11 of the Illinois Public Aid Code concerning child care assistance for TANF recipients and low-income working families.

Department of Human Services shall provide child care services to five categories of families: TANF recipients in work activities, families transitioning from TANF, families at risk of TANF receipt, families with special needs, and working families with very low incomes.

Establishes income eligibility thresholds based on state median income (50% through fiscal year 2007) and federal poverty level (185% beginning fiscal year 2008), with no preference given to any category of recipients.

Allocates $7,500,000 annually for a test program serving income-eligible families not receiving TANF who need child care to participate in education and training activities.

Designates child and day care home providers participating in the assistance program as public employees under the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act solely for purposes of collective bargaining rights regarding terms and conditions of employment.