WPBN: It’s possible that the third time is the charm. Once more, lawmakers from both parties in Missouri are submitting proposals to assist in finding a solution to our dilemma over childcare.
It is possible that you recall that Governor Mike Parson placed a high focus on this matter. On the other hand, a bill was never delivered to his desk.
This is something that affects you even if you do not have any children. One can draw parallels between the costs of child care and the expenditures of attending college. Therefore, a greater number of parents choose to remain at home, which is detrimental to our workforce.
The Childcare Tax Credit package is being proposed by a number of politicians for the third time in order to provide assistance to businesses who provide assistance to working parents.
“I think this year we are going to have some success of getting some type of child care crisis package across the finish line,” said Republican State Representative Brenda Shields, District 11.
House Bill 269, which was introduced by State Representative Shields, includes three different incentives for businesses. Provide credit to employers who contribute to the price of childcare for their employees, give credit to employers who provide in-house child care, and give credit to firms who spend money developing their facilities.
“Industries and businesses are telling us that they’re having trouble recruiting and retaining employees because of the childcare crisis issue. We want to bring all parts of the public and private interest together to help parents return to work if they choose,” she stated.
“The tax credits would help to make that ask to small business owners a little bit better,” Amanda Coleman with Community Partnership of the Ozarks stated.
There are not enough seats available at centers in Springfield, according to advocates for children, even if parents are able to afford the hefty cost of care to their children. There is a shortfall of 2,000 spots in the city, which can be explained by the lengthy wait lists.
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“Everything has gotten more expensive. Families have to decide if you’re a two-income household, is it really worth going to work?” Coleman asked.
Another version of the tax credit bill was submitted by Representative Aaron Crossley, who is a Democrat representing Independence. On Thursday, a second reading was performed on both his bill and Shield’s bill.
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