Legislature passes bill 
to improve child care


November 6, 2009

 
MADISON - A sweeping bill designed to strengthen Wisconsin's child care subsidy program has passed the Legislature.

The measure passed unanimously in both the Senate and Assembly on Thursday.

Gov. Jim Doyle has indicated he will sign it into law.

The bill is designed to crack down on fraud and abuse within the system.

It would bar child care providers convicted of numerous crimes from participating in the $350 million Wisconsin Shares program. Under current law, providers convicted of many offenses can be rehabilitated and continue receiving money from the state.

The program is designed to pay child care costs for poor people so they can work, but numerous examples of fraud and abuse have been uncovered in audits and media reports.

 

Associated Press