US SB1285

Appropriates $20 billion for fiscal year 2026 for the Child Care Entitlement to States program, with annual inflation adjustments in subsequent years based on the consumer price index

Reserves 5% of funding for Indian tribes and tribal organizations, 4% for U.S. territories, and up to 1% for technical assistance, research, and program evaluations

Creates a separate $5 billion annual grant program to improve child care workforce, supply, quality, and access in areas of particular need, including support for facility construction, workforce training, wage increases, and family child care networks

Requires states receiving grants to maintain minimum general revenue expenditures for child care assistance and certify that federal funds supplement rather than replace existing state and local spending

Mandates prevailing wage rates for construction projects funded under the program and removes the Federal interest requirement after 10 years for non-family child care facilities