US SB846

Establishes a pilot program through HHS to award competitive grants to States, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations for supplementing wages of low-wage child care workers in licensed, regulated, or registered programs

Requires grant applicants to demonstrate significant need for increased child care workers and wages, submit plans for prioritizing underserved areas, infant/toddler programs, programs serving children with disabilities, and nontraditional-hours care

Limits administrative costs to 10% of grant funds, which may cover payment administration, financial counseling for workers on tax and benefit implications, and public awareness campaigns

Mandates wage supplements be disbursed at least quarterly, with acceptance voluntary for workers, and requires the Secretary to submit an evaluation report to Congress within 2 years of implementation

Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 2026 and subsequent years, with the Act taking effect 75 days after enactment