On February 21, 2024, Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally testified before the House Ways and Means Committee in support HB 1139- Growing Family Childcare Opportunities Pilot Program- Permanent Establishment. This bill turns the Growing Family Childcare Opportunities Pilot Program (GOFCC) into a permanent program.
HB 1139 would convert the Growing Family Child Care Opportunities Pilot Program (GOFCC) into a permanent program to provide technical assistance, mentorship, and professional development to Maryland residents interested in starting their own child care services. The GOFCC program was established in Montgomery County and has expanded to more than half of the state’s counties: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Washington, and, Wicomico. The expansion of the program to every geographical region is a testament to its success and community buy-in.
While counties have creatively addressed the needs for reliable and safe child care, they welcome new and innovative approaches to stabilizing the industry, like GOFCC. Consistent and safe child care is critical for economic development, successful families and communities, and the development of children.
HB 1139’s cross-file, SB 882, was heard on February 23, 2024 in the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee. Brianna January submitted written testimony in support of this bill.
SB 882 was heard in the opposite chamber, the House Ways and Means Committee, on March 27. MACo submitted testimony in support of this bill.
More on MACo’s Advocacy:
