STATEHOUSE (April 28, 2026) – An additional $200 million in state funding is being allocated to expand access to childcare, according to State Rep. Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne).
The State Budget Committee approved the proposal at its meeting Thursday to allocate additional funding for the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program. During the 2026 legislative session, the General Assembly passed Senate Enrolled Act 4, which Judy supported, allowing the state to augment funds from the Financial Responsibility and Opportunity Growth (FROG) Fund for the CCDF program. This funding could help the state resume enrollment for CCDF vouchers by an estimated 14,000 children.
"Expanding access to childcare is a meaningful investment in Indiana's families and economic future," Judy said. "By increasing support for these programs, more Hoosier parents can stay in the workforce while their children benefit from safe, high-quality early learning environments that help set the foundation for long-term success."
Indiana's CCDF is a federally supported program that currently assists about 43,000 children statewide, with eligibility based on household income and employment criteria. Additional enrollment will prioritize siblings of current voucher holders, infants and children between 3-5 years old. A set of exemptions will be created for children of foster and kinship families, children with special needs, homeless children, children of childcare workers and children of Ivy Tech students.
Judy also supported House Enrolled Act 1177 this session to expand the state's employer childcare tax credit, encouraging more employers to offer childcare options to employees.
According to the most recent state data, capacity at regulated childcare facilities has increased over the past year, with capacity currently at 174,400 children.
Click here to learn more about state child care resources.
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State Rep. Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne) represents House District 83,
which includes portions of Allen and Whitley counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
