Pennsylvania Considers Tax Incentives for Employers to Ease Child Care Burden
Pennsylvania Considers Tax Incentives to Ease Child Care Burden on Families and Employers
Pennsylvania families struggling to find affordable child care might soon get some help from their employers. A bill discussed in the House Finance Committee aims to offer tax incentives to companies that contribute to their employees child care expenses. Representative Liz Hanbridge highlighted the challenge, noting that many families face tough choices due to the high costs of child care, with some women even having to leave their jobs. The bill could ease this burden by allowing employers to deduct a portion of their contributions to employees child care costs.
Laura Manion, President of the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry, emphasized the benefits of the bill during the hearing. She mentioned that it could help employers attract and keep quality workers who might otherwise struggle to enter the workforce due to child care constraints. Additionally, the bill aims to alleviate financial pressure on parents eager to return to work. The proposed legislation could provide much-needed relief for families and businesses grappling with child care challenges.
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Employer-Supported Childcare Tax Credit: Lawmakers to Debate Its Future Benefits (PHOTO: MyHometownToday.com)
Child Care Industry Experts Urge Continued Support Beyond Proposed Legislation
However, challenges remain within the child care industry including staffing shortages and increasing operational costs. Dr. Lesley Spina from Kinder Academy stressed the importance of investing in early childhood education and highlighted the financial struggles faced by child care providers. While the bill offers a step forward, experts like Diane Barber, Executive Director of PA Child Care Association caution that more substantial and sustainable investment is needed to address the broader crisis of child care availability and affordability.
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