Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), along with U.S. Representatives Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) and Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), have introduced two legislative measures aimed at addressing the ongoing child care crisis in the United States. The Child Care Availability and Affordability Act and the Child Care Workforce Act seek to enhance existing tax credits, making child care more affordable while increasing the supply of child care providers.

Joining them in this effort are Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Angus King (I-Maine), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), and Susan Collins (R-Maine). According to Senator Britt, "This commonsense proposal is about more than just addressing our child care crisis – it is a direct investment in the hardworking families and local small businesses striving to achieve their American Dream across our nation."

Senator Kaine emphasized the impact of the current situation on both families and businesses, stating, "The child care crisis is holding our families and economy back." Representative Lawler added that working across party lines can help alleviate financial burdens for young working families: “I’m proud to be working in a bipartisan, bicameral way...to expand the child and dependent care tax credit.”

Representative Carbajal highlighted regional concerns: “Families on the Central Coast share a common concern: the high cost and limited availability of child care.” Senator Ernst echoed these sentiments from her constituency: “When traveling river to river across Iowa, I consistently hear about the struggles that families face in finding and affording high-quality child care.”

The legislation comes as many U.S. families continue to struggle with rising costs—childcare expenses have surged by 263% over recent decades—and a lack of available services. As noted by Senator Shaheen, “I hear time and again from parents...who are desperate for reliable, affordable child care options.”

The proposed bills also aim to support childcare workers who face economic challenges due to low wages. The crisis impacts not only individual households but also has broader economic repercussions estimated at $122 billion annually.

Senator Curtis expressed confidence in these measures providing practical solutions: “By updating tax credits that help cover childcare costs...our bill puts money back into the pockets of hardworking parents.” Similarly, Senator King remarked on Maine’s situation where access issues hinder both family life and business operations.

National polling indicates strong public backing for enhancing childcare-related tax credits. Sarah Rittling from First Five Years Fund commended lawmakers' efforts: "By refining tax credits and expanding access, this plan will deliver real relief to countless families."

###