Council of States extends daycare stimulus program until the end of 2026
Published: Tuesday, Jun 4th 2024, 12:10
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The impulse program to promote childcare to complement family life is to continue until the end of 2026. The Council of States agrees with the extension. Its responsible committee is currently working on a definitive regulation for childcare funding.
On Tuesday, the Council of States voted in favor of the extension by 25 votes to 14. It had been requested by its Committee for Science, Education and Culture (WBK-S) in order to ensure that the federal contributions continue to flow until the successor solution is in place. The current regulation expires at the end of the year.
A minority did not want the extension, but was defeated. Speaker Jakob Stark (SVP/TG) recalled the four extensions of the program, which was once limited to eight years. This start-up funding has been in place for 21 years or an entire generation. "This is no longer a boost, but a permanent drive." By not extending the program, CHF 50 million could be saved.
With the extension, the Council of States also said yes to the proposal to increase the commitment credit by CHF 40 million for the extension and to transfer a further CHF 10 million from approved funds. This is what the Federal Council had proposed. This is intended as a temporary solution.
The WBK-S is working on its own proposal for a successor to the impulse program, which includes a childcare allowance. In future, employers and, where applicable, employees will be required to co-finance childcare to supplement family life. The proposals are still being consulted on for a few days.
The National Council, on the other hand, spoke out in favor of a federal contribution in spring 2023 - still in the composition before the elections in autumn 2023. This would cost around CHF 710 million per year.
The stimulus program for the creation of childcare places has contributed to the creation of over 76,000 new childcare places by the end of 2023. Next up is the National Council. Its responsible committee is in favor of the extension, and the Federal Council is also in agreement.
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