ME LD1728

Establishes a 5-member Maine Child Care Affordability Program Advisory Board to advise the Office of Child and Family Services, with one legislator serving a 2-year term and four commissioner-appointed members serving 3-year terms

Appropriates $3,800,000 in one-time General Fund money for fiscal year 2025-26 to clear the current waiting list for the Maine Child Care Affordability Program

Requires the Office of Child and Family Services to amend program rules to prioritize eligible child care facility employees and family child care providers on the waiting list

Directs the Department of Health and Human Services and the new advisory board to develop a long-term financial sustainability plan and submit a report to the Legislature by January 2, 2026

Designated as emergency legislation to take effect immediately upon approval due to the existing program waiting list and the importance of accessible child care to economic development