As the legislative session continues, one lawmaker praises two bills that passed through the Iowa House. 

House District 20 Representative Ray Sorensen says one  House File 2127 allows parents to pay the difference between Child Care Assistance rates and the rates charged to families who do not receive assistance. 

“This bill will allow flexibility between parents and child care providers to help raise the income of childcare providers, and it will allow more providers to accept childcare assistance.”

Sorensen explains House File 2198 allows 16 and 17-year-olds to provide childcare to school-aged children in a child care center without supervision. He explains this could help with the child care workforce shortage. 

“Many 16-year-olds are more than capable of caring for school age children. In fact, we’ve trusted many 16 and even younger age school children to care for our kids directly.”

Sorensen adds both bills came as recommendations from the Governor’s Child Care Task Force and will continue to go through its legislative process.

To get a full look at the bill 2198 you can go here