meeting. The ordinance, which continues to be revised and improved, would allow child care providers to be licensed as businesses in their own communities without being required to follow strict commercial standards. Too many restrictions can cause some child care providers to operate unregulated or go out of business. She requested a letter of endorsement from the task force that would encourage communities to amend and simplify their zoning ordinances on a voluntary basis. This concept will be presented to cities at the next Utah League of Cities and Towns conference.

    MOTION: Ms. Rowland moved to support the concept of a voluntary model uniform zoning ordinance for child care providers. The motion passed unanimously with Sen. Muhlestein, Rep. Jones, Rod Betit, and Elyce Mouskondis being absent for the vote.         

7.    Requests for Action by Other Entities

    Resolution urging creation of Business Commission on Child Care - Mr. Wilson explained the amendments made to the previously considered resolution as requested by the task force. He stated that the resolution will go forth as a recommendation from the committee.

    Role of Workforce Services Interim Committee - Rep. Allen noted that there have been requests that the task force be continued. She explained that a request for continuation can be carried by a legislator into the session. The Workforce Services Interim Committee could also be assigned to address unresolved issues.

    Mr. Sonnenreich stated that Ms. Mouskondis had to leave, but asked if he would relay her feelings that if the task force were to be continued, consideration should be given to consolidating the two state agencies associated with child care.

    Mr. Wilson explained that continuing the task force would require legislation. If the task force requested that unresolved issues be considered by the Workforce Services Interim Committee, a letter from the chairs of the task force would be needed stating that request. He explained that legislative leadership is trying to curtail the number of task forces. He also explained that a recent Utah Supreme Court decision suggests there may be a constitutional problem when a task force is comprised of persons from more than one branch of government. If this task force were reauthorized, the makeup of the membership might have to be altered. Direction from the Legislature will be forthcoming regarding this issue.
    
    MOTION: Sen. Suazo moved to request reauthorization of the task force. The motion passed unanimously with Sen. Muhlestein, Rep. Jones, Rod Betit, and Elyce Mouskondis being absent for the vote.

    Letter encouraging application for Medicaid 1115 waiver and enrollment in new Children's Health Insurance Program - Mr. Andrews referred to the draft letter mailed to task force members. The letter recommends that the state increase the availability of health insurance to child care employees and their dependents by:

    (1)    mounting an aggressive campaign to enroll the dependent children of child care employees in the new Children's Health Insurance Program;
    (2)    evaluating whether a new Medicaid 1115 waiver should be submitted to allow expansion of Medicaid benefits to low income adults who do not otherwise qualify for benefits or are subject to burdensome spend-down requirements; and
    (3)    Directing that the Workforce Services Interim Committee or the Utah Health Policy Commission study the availability of health insurance to child care employees.

    Ms. Nichol noted that 80 percent of child care owners and employees do not have insurance benefits.

    MOTION: Ms. Rowland moved to approve the letter. The motion passed unanimously with Sen. Muhlestein, Rep. Jones, Rod Betit, and Elyce Mouskondis being absent for the vote.
        
        8.    Other Business - Child Care Legislation requested for the 1999 General Session -      Mr. Wilson indicated that there have been no requests for child care legislation for the 1999 General Session other than those proposed by the task force. He reviewed the five pieces of legislation developed and supported by the task force:

     Child Care Provider Criminal Background Check Amendments
    Child Literacy Programs
    Child Care Commission Resolution
    Credit for Contributions to Child Care
    Child Care Task Force Reauthorization

Sen. Blackham explained that two years ago the Department of Health was required to submit proposed language to codify the rules regarding child care licensing. He noted they have fulfilled that responsibility and that language may be considered during the session.

    Preliminary report by the University of Utah, Understanding Families With Multiple Barriers to Self-sufficiency - Rep. Allen reviewed the preliminary report presented by the University of Utah to the Workforce Services Interim Committee as required in the TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) bill passed in the 1997 General Session. She noted that TANF's goal is to get people working and providing for themselves. Twenty percent of TANF families receiving cash assistance will be allowed to exceed the three-year time limit for

receiving state aid. She reviewed the profile of an average long-term recipient, as well as the long-term predictive barriers to work. The most common barriers are mental health problems and behavior problems in the recipients' children. One of the biggest concerns of recipients is that their child care provider will harm their child. That also creates a barrier to work.
        
        9.    Adjourn - Sen. Blackham and Rep. Allen expressed appreciation for the consistent attendance and commitment of the members of the task force, stating their pleasure at having had the opportunity to work with them. They feel good about the proposals and actions that have resulted from the work of the task force.
    
    MOTION: Sen. Suazo moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously at 1:37 p.m. with Sen. Muhlestein, Rep. Jones, Rod Betit, and Elyce Mouskondis absent for the vote.