News & Updates

What's Next Without Child Care Tax Credits?

Child care is a crucial component for keeping businesses operational and ensuring economic stability in Missouri. Without reliable child care options, parents and guardians face significant barriers to entering and remaining in the workforce, directly impacting business productivity and the broader economy. In industries that require 24-hour staffing, such as healthcare and manufacturing, the lack of flexible child care options can be especially detrimental. This article explores the importance of child care in supporting Missouri businesses, the current challenges following the failure to pass child care tax credits, and potential solutions to address these issues.

The recent failure to pass child care tax credits in Missouri has exacerbated the child care challenge. These tax credits were intended to alleviate some of the financial burdens on families and businesses by subsidizing child care costs. Without this support, both parents and employers are left scrambling for alternatives. However, it is essential not to lose hope. There are still several strategies that businesses can implement to mitigate the impact of this setback.

Exploring Family Child Care Networks

One viable option is to utilize family child care providers. These home-based child care services typically offer more flexibility than larger centers, accommodating irregular work hours and shift patterns that are common in many industries. Family child care providers can care for up to 10 children, making them a practical solution for parents who work non-traditional hours. By networking with family child care providers in the area, businesses can help employees find reliable and adaptable child care solutions.

Advocating for Future Support and Solutions

In addition to leveraging existing child care options, it is crucial for businesses to advocate for policy changes. Employers can play a significant role in lobbying for the reintroduction and passage of child care tax credits in the next legislative session. It's important to recognize that child care is not a Democrat or Republican issue; it's a Missouri issue and a Missouri workforce issue. By uniting voices, businesses can move the issue forward. Visiting the Missouri General Assembly and clicking on Find Your Legislator is an easy way to find out who the legislators are in your area and learn how to effectively push for change in the next session.

Supporting Employees Through Company Benefits

In the absence of tax credits, businesses can explore other ways to support employees with child care needs. Offering benefits such as flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for child care expenses, subsidies, or discounts can significantly alleviate the financial strain on working parents. Some companies might consider direct partnerships with local child care providers or establishing on-site child care facilities to support their workforce. These benefits not only help retain employees but also enhance job satisfaction and productivity.

The Path Forward for Missouri Businesses

The child care conundrum in Missouri highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions and proactive advocacy. By exploring flexible child care options, supporting employees through benefits, and engaging in legislative advocacy, businesses can help bridge the gap created by the lack of tax credits. Ultimately, sustaining a robust and reliable child care infrastructure is essential for keeping Missouri’s businesses afloat and its economy thriving. Business leaders must recognize their pivotal role in this effort and use their collective influence to ensure that working parents have the support needed to contribute fully to the workforce.

Child Care Aware of Missouri can help create child care capacity locally, provide valuable resources, and offer an advocacy action center to assist businesses and individuals in connecting with legislators and advocating effectively.

Contact us cckmw@mochildcareaware.org to find out more about the Child Care Keeps Missouri Working℠ service and how it can benefit your company.