New bill could cut childcare costs

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – A bipartisan pair of senators is teaming up to try to tackle childcare issues with new legislation.

Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.)  recently introduced two bills that they say could improve the affordability and accessibility of childcare.

National Child Care Association Director Cindy Lehnhoff is optimistic about the new legislation.

“There’s much more to be done, but we are very excited,” Lehnhoff said. “The parties working together to benefit working families, to benefit childcare providers and educators.”

The first bill would change existing tax law to bump up the child tax credit to $2,500 for families with one kid and $4,000 for families with two or more kids.

“Help people deal with the high cost of childcare,” Kaine said.

It would also boost an employer tax provision that allows businesses to write off the cost of providing childcare to their workers.

“To triple that to $500,000. That would be a very robust incentive that I think a lot of companies will want to take advantage of,” Kaine said.

The second bill would launch a new grant program for states, localities and tribes to supplement the pay for childcare providers.

“An ample salary for childcare workers is also really important to keep and then grow the pool of those willing to do the job,” Kaine said.

In order for these bills to make any impact they’d have to get enough support to pass through Congress.

Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) says she looks favorably on the new proposal.

“This is an issue that we need to do better,” Moore Capito said. “We need to make working family friendly.”

Lehnhoff hopes to see more lawmakers get on board because she argues investing in child care has benefits for everyone.

“It improves things for many generations to come and has a great return on investment,” Lehnhoff said.

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