Massachusetts is turning revenue from its tax on high earners into financial relief for families facing the major household expense that is childcare.
Here's what to know
As This Week in Worcester reported, about 2,100 additional Massachusetts children are expected to receive assistance under a $31.2 million plan from Gov. Maura Healey's administration.
Families waiting for Income Eligible Child Care Financial Assistance will have access to more vouchers and contracted childcare seats as the Department of Early Education and Care expands the program, Healey's office stated in a news release.
Massachusetts voters approved a 4% surtax on high earners in November 2022, generating Fair Share revenue. The expansion draws on the fiscal 2026 Fair Share supplemental budget signed by Healey.
Families with the longest waits will receive priority as the department distributes aid in phases. That includes families who did not receive assistance through an earlier funding round.
"Every family deserves access to affordable, high-quality childcare, and this investment means thousands more children will be able to get into the care they need," Healey said.
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More background
The department expects to help about 580 children of early education and care workers, per the announcement. Those children represent approximately a quarter of the active waitlist entries for that group, which has more than 2,000 children on the statewide list.
More households can qualify for assistance after the administration increased the program's income limit to 85% of the state median income from 50%, according to This Week in Worcester. The eligibility change comes in addition to the increased funding.
Senate President Karen E. Spilka noted in the release that the aid "will give young families peace of mind during turbulent economic times."
"Investing in educational priorities such as expanding access to high-quality affordable early education and childcare is exactly why we passed the Fair Share Amendment," Sen. Jason Lewis added.
What's being done?
The Department of Early Education and Care will work with contracted providers and regional Child Care Resource and Referral agencies to notify waitlisted families as vouchers and seats become available. Families on the list do not need to submit another application.
According to This Week in Worcester, families in Worcester and much of Central Massachusetts can call their regional agency, Child Care Resources, at 508-796-1821 on weekdays from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. Seven Hills Family Services operates the agency, whose office is at 799 West Boylston St.
Those who have not joined the waitlist can still apply through MyChildCareMA, the department's multilingual online portal. The state's Child Care Resource and Referral directory lists regional offices for families elsewhere in the state.
"This new revenue from the state's millionaires and billionaires will support thousands of families and children, focusing on those who have been stuck on the waitlist for assistance for far too long, as well as supporting the staff who work tirelessly to run these vital programs," Lewis said.
Where can I learn more?
The expansion offers relief for Massachusetts families facing high childcare costs and long waits for assistance. Other coverage explores daycare expenses, broader economic pressures, childcare aid, and waitlists.
• Massachusetts daycares turn to gardens and coupons as food costs jump 43%, outpacing aid increases.
• Massachusetts earns high marks for wages but struggles with childcare and energy costs.
• San Francisco expands childcare aid, offering free tuition and discounts to families.
• A Texas childcare worker's baby remains on a 190,000-child waitlist despite priority.
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