| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Negative | Negative | Negative | Negative | Negative |
Relating to the powers and duties the Texas Workforce Commission and local workforce development boards regarding the provision of child care and the subsidized child care program.
Estimated Two-year Net impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB 2607. As Introduced: an impact of $0 through the biennium ending August 31, 2023.
The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.
HB 2607 would remove the voluntary status of Texas Rising Star Program for determining quality-based care ratings. This rating system must include an entry level rating for child care providers and a maximum length of time a provider may participate at the entry level rating. Providers participating at the entry level rating would not be eligible for increased reimbursement rates. The commission would also be required to develop a process to allow a child care provider to request a waiver to extend the length of time the providers would be allowed to participate. This waiver would not be allowed to exceed 36 months.
When the Texas Workforce Commission evaluates the allocation formulas for child care development funds, HB 2607 would require the commission to assess the number of 3-star and 4-star rated child care providers participating in partnership with public school districts and public charter schools.
HB 2607 would require local workforce development boards to inform the local school districts and open-enrollment charter schools about opportunities to partner with child-care providers to expand access to and provide facilities for prekindergarten programs.
HB 2607 would require local workforce development boards to update the report submitted to the Workforce Commission after entering a contract agreement with a child care provider every 12 months instead of every six months.
HB 2607 grows government and costs more money over time unnecessarily. This violates the principles of limited government, individual liberty, the free market, private property rights, and personal responsibility. Texas Action opposes HB 2607.