There are a few legislative bills and tax credit acts making their way through Capitol Hill these days, including the Right Start Child Care and Education Act. In a recent article in a New York newspaper, US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand describes it as addressing
deficiencies in the dependent and child care tax credit… the deduction would be doubled to $6,000 to reflect inflation and child care costs. Businesses looking to provide on-site care would see tax deductions rise from 25 percent to 35 percent. And employers helping workers find child care would make tax deductions of 35 percent instead of 25 percent currently, with a maximum amount jumping from $150,000 to $225,000.
Also up before the senate is the Family Work Flexibility Act which looks to encourage businesses to get involved in finding solutions to worker’s child care issues by providing tax credits for telecommuting equipment.
Child care is a huge issue for working parents of young children. Costs are rising to the point where many parents question whether or not it is financially wise for both parents to work.
At the same time, the child care industry is also struggling financially. Early education and care programs can’t afford to pay wages that attract and keep a trained and stable work force. As a result, despite the cost, quality care is hard to find. Families suffer and children suffer. It is time for the federal government to take action and offer some relief.
Filed under: Education Industry | Tagged: Child Care, Education Industry
