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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Contact: ACF Press Office
(202) 401-9215
HHS Approves Child Care Waivers for Three States
Recovering from
Hurricane Disasters
Waivers make $60 million in child care funds available
to Louisiana,
Mississippi and Texas
WASHINGTON, D.C. --- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced child care waivers to Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas to access $60 million for child care services in support of hurricane Katrina and Rita recovery efforts.
“We are dedicated to helping children and families recovering from hurricane disasters,” said HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt. “These waivers will provide parents with much-needed child care services as they continue to rebuild their lives and communities.”
The waivers lift federal requirements for state matching funds in order for states to receive Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) funds. They were granted by Secretary Leavitt through special authority given to him in the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act to Address Hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico and Pandemic Influenza of 2006.
As a result of the waivers the following states will receive federal assistance for child care services with no obligation for state match contributions:
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Louisiana will receive $27 million;
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Mississippi will receive $2 million; and
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Texas will receive $31 million.
“This funding will help low-income families impacted by the hurricanes pay for child care so they can further recover and return to their jobs,” said HHS Assistant Secretary for Children and Families Wade F. Horn, Ph.D. “With these waivers, the Bush Administration is empowering states to strengthen families as communities in the Gulf region rebuild.”
The CCDF program is administered by HHS’ Administration for Children and Families. For fiscal year 2006, Louisiana will receive a total of $87.4 million in federal child care funds, Mississippi will receive $55.7 million and Texas will receive $417.2 million. Approximately $5 billion in federal funds is available through CCDF for fiscal year 2006 nationwide.
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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at www.hhs.gov/news