IL HB5599

Establishes that beginning in fiscal year 2019, the income threshold for working families with very low incomes seeking child care assistance must be no less than 185% of the federal poverty level for each family size.

Requires the Illinois Department to provide child care services to parents and relatives who are working or participating in Department-approved education or training programs, covering six minimum categories including TANF recipients, families transitioning from TANF, and families at risk of TANF eligibility.

Authorizes the Department to lower income eligibility ceilings, raise co-payments, create waiting lists, or take other actions during a fiscal year to ensure child care benefits do not exceed appropriated amounts, using emergency rules as needed.

Specifies that eligible families must receive co-payments based on family income and size, with potential waivers for families at or below the federal poverty level.

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