Senators Propose Bipartisan Child Care Reform to Ease Family Burdens

U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing the nation’s growing child care crisis. The proposed bills seek to make child care more affordable and accessible for working families, while also supporting child care providers and workers. The initiative comes as the cost of child care continues to rise, with average annual daycare expenses exceeding $16,000, a 13 percent increase since 2022.

The legislative package includes two bills designed to ease financial burdens on families and expand child care options. Key provisions include expanding the Employer-Provided Child Care Tax Credit, increasing contributions to Dependent Care Assistance Programs (D-CAP), and making the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) refundable. These measures aim to provide relief to parents struggling to balance work and family responsibilities.

Senator Britt emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, ‘Working parents deserve access to quality child care. No parent should have to choose between their career and their children.’ The bills also propose a competitive grant program to supplement child care workers’ wages, addressing the industry’s high turnover rates and low pay.

Recent polls show strong bipartisan support for child care reform, with 89 percent of voters favoring policies that help working parents access affordable care. The legislation aligns with Alabama’s recent efforts to improve child care accessibility through the 2024 Working for Alabama legislative package.

Advocates argue that the proposed reforms could have far-reaching economic benefits. A recent report found that the U.S. economy loses $122 billion annually due to child care-related workforce disruptions. By addressing these challenges, the legislation aims to boost workforce participation, particularly among working mothers, and strengthen the economy.

Senator Kaine highlighted the collaborative nature of the effort, stating, ‘This is about empowering parents and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.’ The bipartisan approach reflects growing recognition of child care as a critical issue affecting families, businesses, and communities nationwide.