OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House passed HB 2717 by Rep. Ellyn Hefner, D-Oklahoma City. The bill aims to provide support for those who care for children with disabilities.
Hefner believes the funding to clear Oklahoma’s waiting list for Developmental Disabilities Services is great, but caregivers also need support as there are over 16.8 million Americans caring for a child with disabilities.
The bill sets up the Family Support and Assistance Payment Program, which offers a subsidy that can assist families in paying for childcare, therapies, and equipment for their child.
“The well-being of caregivers is a public health use that directly impacts families,” Hefner said. “The FSAP was started in the early 1990’s with no changes regarding income limits or the amount received by the family. Bill will increase the income to better match the cost-of-living increase in income along with the increase in the amount a family can qualify to receive, better matching the cost of inflation for the same goods and services.”
The bill now goes to the Senate.
Get Local News!
