Budget Woes Over Minimum and A Helping
Hand
Many programs that serve children and families are seeing their
budget shrink with higher prices on most everything. Minimum wage
increase is yet another budget buster. Individuals, as well as
programs, suffer with inflation and experience budget challenges
and so it is of growing importance that employees be fairly compensated.
Hiring and keeping well qualified staff costs money. Even if administrators
support higher pay for employees and see the link between quality
services and wages, it may still be difficult to acquire additional
money or stretch the budget even thinner. Yet, to meet the new
minimum wage requirements it is a must.
As of July 24, 2007 non exempt workers were entitled to a minimum
wage of not less than $5.85 per hour. Beginning July 24, 2008
the minimum wage increases to $6.55 per hour. And, on July 24,
2009 it raises again to $7.25 per hour.
To learn more about the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which
includes minimum wage, check out the various online resources.
You can read and print the Employment Law Guide, Fact Sheets,
PowerPoint Presentations, and more. Posters are available for
printing and you can sign up for free electronic alerts. Although
minimum wage may be your immediate area of concern, additional
labor related information is also available.
You can contact the Department of Labor, Employment Standards
Administration, Wage and Hour Division with questions. See side
bar for specific contact information.
The Career Services Center (CSC) at Western Kentucky University
administers the Kentucky Work Study Program (KWSP), which provides
$2 per hour toward each eligible student when qualified employers
have a current agreement with CSC. Students must be enrolled (or
accepted for enrollment) at least half-time at WKU, be making
satisfactory academic progress, and be in good financial standing
with KHEAA. Students must be employed in positions that are career-related
and paid at least minimum wage. Limits on KWSP are related to
the student’s total cost of education minus the financial
aid received from other sources. All positions must be located
in Kentucky to qualify for KWSP.
The KWSP program is based upon annual funding and runs from July
1-June 30. It is now time to establish agreements for 2008-2009.
The Career Services Center web page provides detailed information
about the steps to follow to get an agreement in place and the
necessary forms can be printed from online too. They welcome phone
calls or appointments at their Center for further information
(See Side Bar).
Financial assistance to help meet minimum wage increases may
be your immediate concern, but Career Services at Western Kentucky
University can also assist you in many other ways. You can list
jobs on their site, interview students on campus, and much more.
Check it out.
What an exciting time in our state!
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is working to improve the care provided
for our youngest citizens, the future of Kentucky.
Did you know that the Kentucky regulations governing licensed
and certified child care programs are changing July 1?
Whether you are a parent of a young child or an early care and
education professional, you need to know what the regulations
say.
The revised regulations for Type I Child Care Centers, Type II
Family Child Care Homes, and Certified Family Child Care Homes
are now available on the Division of Child Care’s web site
for you to read. Click
here to be linked to the web site where you will
find these regulations.
Owners and Directors of early childhood programs should plan
to attend a forum planned across the state in the month of June
to receive an overview of the new regulations. These regulations
are in effect beginning July 1, 2008.
Feel free to contact the CCR&R with questions you may have
or contact your local Division of Regulated Child Care office.
We look forward to hearing from you. Because these regulations
are new, we may not have the answer immediately, but will work
to find answers to your questions.
