HomeMy WebLinkAbout15539RESOLUTION NO. 15539
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING COLORADO HB24-1223 -
IMPROVED ACCESS TO THE CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM AND URGING THE STATE LEGISLATURE TO
ENACT THE SAME
WHEREAS, parents or guardians with unmet child care needs are twice as likely to
report poor general health and mental health as those who have adequate access to child care;
and
WHEREAS, nearly one-third (30.9%) of Coloradoans who couldn’t access child care for
a week or more said it was because they couldn’t afford it; and
WHEREAS, infant care in Colorado costs is one of the biggest expenses families face
costing on average $15,325 per year, more than average annual rent ($13,829) or in-state
tuition for a four-year public college ($9,540); and
WHEREAS, the median household income for the City of Pueblo is $49,598 with 19.2%
of Pueblo’s population living in poverty; and
WHEREAS, one impediment to obtaining and maintaining employment, training, or
education is the lack of affordable child care; and
WHEREAS, as of September 2023, there were 120 licensed child care providers in
Pueblo County 53 of which accept CCCAP and 10 that are rated “high quality.”
WHEREAS, nearly one in five (17.8%) of families in Pueblo County reported not being
able to access child care when they needed it, compared to the state average of 9.0%; and
WHEREAS, there is a crucial need for quality affordable child care in the City of Pueblo;
NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PUEBLO, that
SECTION 1.
The City Council of the City of Pueblo, for the above-stated reasons, supports the
passage of HB24-1223 and urges the Colorado State Legislature to enact the same.
SECTION 2.
A copy of this Resolution be transmitted to all members of the Colorado Senate and
House of Representatives and the Governor of Colorado.
SECTION 3.
The officers and staff of the City are authorized to perform any and all acts consistent
with this Resolution to effectuate the policies and procedures described herein.
SECTION 4.
This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon final passage and approval.
INTRODUCED: March 11, 2024
BY: Roger Gomez
MEMBER OF CITY COUNCIL
APPROVED:
PRESIDENT OF CITY COUNCIL
ATTESTED BY:
CITY CLERK
City Clerk's Office Item # M17
Background Paper for Proposed
Resolution
COUNCIL MEETING DATE: March 11, 2024
TO: President Mark Aliff and Members of City Council
CC: Mayor Heather Graham
VIA: Marisa Stoller, City Clerk
FROM: Sarah Martinez, Councilor
SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING COLORADO HB24-1223 - IMPROVED
ACCESS TO THE CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND
URGING THE STATE LEGISLATURE TO ENACT THE SAME
SUMMARY:
Attached is a Resolution in support of Colorado HB24-1223 Improved Access to Child
Care Assistance.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION:
Not applicable to this Resolution.
BACKGROUND:
Colorado HB24-1223 was introduced in the Colorado House of Representatives on
February 7, 2024, and is set to be heard by the Health and Human Services Committee
on March 12, 2024. The bill overhauls the current Colorado Child Care Assistance
Program (CCCAP). CCCAP helps families that are homeless, working, searching for
work or in school find and pay for child care assistance. The proposed bill simplifies the
application process and allows for more families to be served by the program.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
There are no financial implications for the City in passing this Resolution.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
Not applicable to this Resolution.
STAKEHOLDER PROCESS:
Not applicable to this Resolution.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could choose not to publicly support Colorado HB24-1223.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approval of the Resolution.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Draft HB24-1223 CCCAP