United WE’s quantitative and qualitative research shows that Missouri women cannot reach their full economic potential when families can’t access affordable childcare.
This month, United WE testified in support of House Bill 1488 and Senate Bill 742, which would create childcare tax credits for families, employers, and providers. These legislation are an important first step to tackling the growing problem of childcare in Missouri, and United WE is thrilled to see policies reintroduced that work to support childcare accessibility to grow our Missouri economy.
Sponsored by Representatives Brenda Shields (District 11 - Buchanan County) and Senator Lauren Arthur (District 17 - Clay County), the bills create three tax credit pathways to support working parents, employers that invest in childcare services, and childcare facilities. Each program is capped annually at $200,000 per taxpayers and $20 million for the program.
Child Care Contribution Tax Credit Act: Taxpayers can receive a 75% tax credit after making a verified contribution to a childcare provider.
Employer Provided Child Care Assistance Tax Credit Act: Businesses can receive a 30% tax credit for donating to a childcare facility or investing in childcare services.
Child Care Providers Tax Credit Act: Childcare providers can receive a 30% tax credit for investing in their own facilities.
Making childcare affordable and ensuring families have a variety of options ensures businesses can create the workforce needed to support an expanding economy. United WE supports policymakers in finding common sense solutions that move our state forward – and these bills put the state of Missouri on the right track.