SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The proposal to create a new state agency to oversee early childhood education programs in Illinois is heading to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk.
Rep. Mary Beth Canty (D-Arlington Heights) told her House colleagues Thursday that the Department of Early Childhood could provide a more integrated and holistic system of services for young children and families across the state.
Related Links
- Pritzker prioritizes education, human services in $52.7 billion budget proposal
- IL Senate GOP propose tax credits to address rising preschool, childcare costs
- Illinois Senate passes bill creating Department of Early Childhood
The future agency will take over the Illinois childhood block grant program, child care assistance program, home visiting and early intervention services.
"By creating this new agency and housing all of these programs in one place, we can create more efficiency and transparency and ease of access for families and providers," Canty said.
Rep. Mary Beth Canty (D-Arlington Heights) answered questions about the future Department of Early Childhood during House floor debate on May 9, 2024.
The Department of Early Childhood would also take over day care licensing, which has become a major problem for the Department of Children and Family Services.
The Illinois Commission on Equitable Early Childhood Education and Care Funding recommended that the state should consolidate all early childhood programs into a new agency in 2021. The Pritzker administration hopes to establish the new agency on July 1 and allow two years for the programs to transition under one roof.
However, some House Republicans are concerned that the new agency will only cause more headaches for taxpayers.
"I don't think anywhere in the history of government, especially in the history of government in the state of Illinois, have we created bureaucracy, especially massive bureaucracy, and it worked out well for the taxpayers at the end of the day," said Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City).
The legislation passed out of the House on a 93-18 vote, even though the bill gained unanimous support in the Senate last month.
Pritzker tweeted Thursday afternoon that he looks forward to signing Senate Bill 1 into law.
"Thank you to Rep. Mary Beth Canty and advocates for your work in making services simpler, better, and fairer for children and their families in Illinois," Pritzker said.
Copyright 2024. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
