Statewide Iowa — Republican lawmakers promise the lack of child care options in Iowa will get renewed attention during the 2022 legislative session.
Senate Republican Leader Jack Whitver of Ankeny suggests expanding already existing child care centers and in-home day cares is a place to start.
House Speaker Pat Grassley, a Republican from New Hartford, says House Republicans are exploring incentives to get private businesses to take the lead.
House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst of Windsor Heights says House Democrats are proposing those state incentives be targeted to small businesses.
Senate Minority Leader Zach Wahls of Coralville says Senate Democrats will press for an increase in the number of Iowa parents who are eligible for state child care assistance.
Households with incomes of up to 145 percent of the federal poverty line are currently eligible for state child care assistance. Wahls and his fellow Democrats propose raising that to 200 percent, which means a two-parent household with an annual income just under 35-thousand dollars would qualify.
