(a) The general assembly shall annually appropriate to the department of human services such funds as it deems necessary to enable the department to develop and expand availability of child care providers and programs. The development and expansion of child care providers and programs shall include, without limitation, the development of innovative start-up arrangements linked to small businesses, the development of programs and providers in geographically underserved areas, and the establishment of before and after school programs with priority to be given by the department to programs linked to schools, to infant/toddler programs, programs related to child opportunity zone family centers, and programs that serve children with special health needs or developmental risks. Funds may be used for start up costs which may include building, rehabilitation or construction costs.
(b) The director of the department of human services is further authorized to request such appropriation for each state fiscal year as he or she deems necessary to carry out the program and purposes of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 31, art. 11, § 6.