SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Gov. Bruce Rauner’s administration is changing course and revising eligibility requirements for a state child care assistance program.

During the summer, the first-term Republican governor severely restricted eligibility because there’s no state budget. But on Monday, Rauner spokesman Lance Trover says eligibility will rise to 162 percent of the federal poverty level.

He says it’s the result of “bipartisan discussions with legislators.”

According to Trover, copays will remain intact but the administration is lifting other restrictions pending further review. Rauner’s administration will also form a task force to look at the program’s stability. The program gives low-income working parents access to child care based on a sliding scale.

Legislation restoring cuts to the program is pending in Springfield.

 

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