Senate approves funding

for YMCA childcare facility

By BILL RICHMOND

City editor

 

U.S. Senator Dick Lugar (R-Indiana) voted to secure $200,000 for the construction of an expanded childcare facility in Randolph County. The funding was approved as a part of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill which passed in the Senate Wednesday by a vote of 88-7.

“Adequate childcare is vital in addressing the needs of working families as well as employers,” Lugar said. “The Randolph County YMCA will provide an affordable option for parents.”

Currently the YMCA provides 43 of the 306 childcare spots available in the county. With this funding the Randolph County YMCA would more than double its service to provide 93 spots.

If the funding receives final Congressional approval, the money will be used to build a new licensed childcare facility attached to the Randolph County YMCA, east of Winchester.

The expanded facility will offer licensed childcare and a state accredited preschool curriculum. The YMCA will continue participation in the State childcare voucher program for low-income families.

Executive Director Ceann Bales wrote to Lugar to request federal funding for this project. Lugar received several letters in support the project from Randolph County community leaders, the Winchester Area Chamber of Commerce and children currently enrolled in the YMCA program.

Bales Wednesday thanked all who submitted letters of support for the for new facility, as well as the community at large which has enthusiastically supported the Y childcare program over the past seven years.

"Senator Lugar really stepped up," Bales said. "He understands the importance of affordable childcare in a rural community. He has such a heart for children."

This project was included by the Senate Appropriations Committee on July 12, 2007, at the request of Lugar. The legislation heads to a conference with the House of Representatives.  Should projects be retained in the House-Senate conference report, the final legislation is voted on again by both congressional bodies. 

The bill would then head to the President for his signature.