Building Child Care for a Better Future Act

Increased Funding for Child Care: The bill appropriates $20,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and establishes a mechanism for annual increases based on the consumer price index to help sustain and increase the supply and quality of child care (Section 2(a)).

Support for Indian Tribes and Territories: Specific amounts are reserved to ensure Indian tribes and territories receive dedicated funding for child care (Section 2(a); Section 3(a)(2)(B)).

Improved Access in High-Need Areas: $5,000,000,000 is appropriated annually for grants intended to improve child care workforce, supply, quality, and access in areas of particular need (Section 3(a)(2)(A)).

Workforce Compensation and Stability: Funds can be used to attract and maintain a diverse workforce by increasing total compensation, providing wage supplements or bonuses, and ensuring staff receive a living wage (Section 3(a)(4)(A)(iv)).

Facility and Infrastructure Support: Grants can provide financial support for projects involving the purchase, improvement, or renovation of child care facilities (Section 3(a)(4)(A)(iv)).

Expanded Care Options: The bill allows for funding of services that provide care during nontraditional hours and serve specific groups such as infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities (Section 3(a)(6)(B)).

State Expenditure Requirements: States receiving these grants must certify that they meet a required minimum level of general revenue expenditures for child care assistance for low-income families (Section 3(a)(5)(C)(ii)).

Maintenance of Effort Obligations: States are required to certify that these grant funds will supplement, rather than replace, their own general revenue expenditures used for child care assistance (Section 3(a)(5)(C)(i)).