The sponsor of legislation to expand Illinois' child care program says she's hopeful it will happen, despite Gov. Bruce Rauner's recent veto.
Democratic Sen. Kim Lightford of Maywood says she'll try to override the veto after November's election.
Lightford wants to increase the amount of money a parent can make to receive a state subsidy for child care.
Her measure would raise the limit to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or less than $24,000 a year for a single parent with one child. It'd rise in later years.
"When the goal is to help people who are vulnerable, need help, trying to do better for themselves and we tell them: If you earn a higher, if you work the job, we'll help ensure your child's safety during that time period," Lightford said.
That change would put an estimated more than $50,000 more kids into the program.
In his veto message, Rauner says it would cost Illinois an extra $200 million next year. He says that expense, on top of Illinois' weak budget, threatens the entire Child Care Assistance Program.
Any vote attempting to override his veto will be close.
