Rhode Island KIDS COUNT is pleased to release the 2014 Legislative Wrap-Up, which reports on selected laws and budget appropriations affecting children in the areas of early learning, education, economic well-being, health, and safety considered in the Rhode Island General Assembly's 2014 Legislative Session. 

 

Below is an overview of victories for Rhode Island children and families in the 2014 Legislative Session:

 

• Extends the pilot Child Care Transition Program (cliff effect policy) by two years, enabling low-income, working families to maintain eligibility for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) as family income increases up to 225% FPL. 
• Expands the State Pre-K Program through the education funding formula. 
• Supports expansion of full-day kindergarten by continuing funding for the Full-Day Kindergarten Incentive Fund, establishing a legislative study commission to explore the feasibility of implementing full-day kindergarten in all districts, and adjusting state education aid so that all districts transitioning from half-day to full-day kindergarten will receive full funding beginning in Fall 2016. 

• Increases funding for education through the funding formula, including Pre-K. 
• Increases funding for higher education, preventing tuition increases. 
• Restores state support for the administration of the School Breakfast Program. 

• Increases the minimum wage to $9.00 per hour.
• Establishes a dedicated funding stream for affordable housing, homelessness prevention, and lead hazard abatement. 
• Eliminates the six-month limit on adult education and work readiness program participation for parents receiving RI Works.