More Than $8.6 Million for Childcare Centers Advanced by Senator Collins in Funding Bill
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $8,618,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending to support childcare centers in the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) 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 while benefiting 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 advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”
Funding advanced by Senator Collins for Maine childcare centers in the FY24 THUD appropriations bill is as follows:
Rumford Y Care and School Age Center
Recipient: YMCA of Auburn-Lewiston
Project Location: Rumford, ME
Amount Requested: $1,000,000
Project Purpose: To construct an early child education and school age center.
Margaret Chase Smith Community School and Early Childhood Center
Recipient: Maine School Administrative District No.54
Project Location: Skowhegan, ME
Amount Requested: $1,941,000
Project Purpose: To construct an early childhood center.
UMaine Black Bear Academy Child Care Center
Recipient: The University of Maine System
Project Location: Orono, ME
Amount Requested: $4,000,000
Project Purpose: To construct, expand, and equip the Black Bear Academy, expanding the University of Maine's childcare center to a total of 120 slots.
Center for Community Programs in Livermore Falls and Jay
Recipient: United Way of the Tri-Valley Area
Project Location: Livermore Falls, ME
Amount Requested: $1,677,000
Project Purpose: To make renovations that will allow this facility to continue to host childcare programs and other expanded services.
This funding advanced through the Committee’s markup of the FY24 THUD appropriations bill and builds upon the nearly $1.4 million advanced by Senator Collins for the construction of childcare facilities throughout Maine through the FY 2024 Agriculture and Rural Development Appropriations bill.
The Committee’s markup of the FY24 THUD appropriations bill is an important step that now allows the bill to be considered by the full Senate. Committee consideration of legislation is a key part of regular order, which helps our government function efficiently and deliver results for the people of Maine and America.
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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