House Advances Child Care Tax Credit Bill

The Missouri House on Wednesday perfected a bill designed to address the lack of access to affordable child care in the state. HB 870, sponsored by Rep. Brenda Shields (R-St. Joseph), originally included three separate tax credit programs to help stabilize the industry: for donors to child care facilities, for employers who help pay for employees' child care, and for child care providers. During committee, the bill was amended to also include the Supporting Use of Child Care for Economic Stability and Security (SUCCESS) Tax credit. This tax credit could be used for childcare expenses for individuals who are working or actively looking for work. These proposals are part of a bipartisan effort to address the current child care crisis in the state. The bill needs one more vote in the House before it moves to the Senate. 

We cover the child care crisis in the upcoming issue of Good News. Look for it in your inbox and/or mailbox in the coming weeks, or read the online version here.