Nearly $1.4 Million for Childcare Facilities Secured by Senator Collins in Funding Bill

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured $1,391,000 for the construction of childcare facilities in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Agriculture and Rural Development appropriations bill.  The bill, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House. 

“Improving access to quality, affordable childcare helps promote financial stability for families and benefits small businesses and our economy.  Childcare also alleviates stress on working parents when they know that their children are in a safe, structured environment where they can play and learn,” said Senator Collins.  “As the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to champion this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”

Funding secured by Senator Collins for childcare facilities in the FY 2024 Agriculture and Rural Development Appropriations bill is as follows:

Little Saplings Childcare Center

Recipient: Little Saplings Childcare Center

Project Location: Portage Lake, ME

Amount Requested: $641,000

Project Purpose: To construct a childcare center in Portage Lake.

Rangeley Region Childcare Facility

Recipient: Beth Brunswick Memorial Fund for Children

Project Location: Rangeley, ME

Amount Requested: $750,000

Project Purpose: To construct a new childcare facility for the Rangeley region.

In 2021, Congress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending.  Following this decision, Senator Collins has secured more than $500 million for hundreds of Maine projects for FY2022 and FY2023.  As the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins is committed to championing targeted investments that will benefit Maine communities. 

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