Metro East Sun

Illinois Senate Republican Leader John Curran, together with State Senators Erica Harriss and Darby Hills, has introduced a legislative package aimed at making childcare more affordable and accessible for Illinois families and businesses. The plan seeks a combined effort from families, businesses, and the state to bring about immediate relief and long-term improvements in childcare services in the state.

John Curran stated, "Investing in childcare is investing in Illinois families and businesses," emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the proposal. Currently, the state faces a significant challenge as it has lost nearly 4,300 licensed childcare providers, accounting for about 33 percent over the past decade.

To counter this issue, Curran proposed Senate Bill 1120. This legislation aims to alleviate staffing shortages and reduce red tape in childcare deserts, while providing financial relief to working families struggling with high caregiving costs. Key elements of the bill include the Child Care Providers Working in Child Care Deserts Student Loan Forgiveness Act, which offers loan forgiveness for childcare providers in underserved areas, and extensions to daycare license renewals. Additionally, it mandates free online training for childcare providers by July 2026 and increases income eligibility for childcare assistance.

Senate Bill 1121, co-sponsored by Erica Harriss, focuses on modernizing licensing rules in childcare deserts, which are defined as areas with a severe shortage of licensed childcare providers. Harriss remarked, “Just like roads and bridges, childcare is infrastructure–it keeps our communities connected, our economy moving, and our families supported.”

Darby Hills introduced Senate Bill 2382, proposing an income tax credit for property donations to employers for onsite childcare facilities. Hills pointed out the widespread nature of the issue by noting, “Too many parents—especially moms—are being forced to choose between their careers and their kids.” Hills also championed Senate Bill 2277, which proposes to increase income tax credits for businesses that offer childcare services to employees.

Nearly 60 percent of Illinois residents, including 70 percent in rural areas, currently live in childcare deserts, where they face long travel distances to access childcare services. A childcare desert is characterized by more than 50 children per census tract, with insufficient licensed childcare options.