Georgia lawmakers are ramping up efforts to make child care more affordable as the legislative session approaches. Proposals from state Senate leaders include tax credit expansions, increased funding for existing programs, and other reforms to help families and support child care workers.
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones has outlined plans to increase the state tax credit for child and dependent care expenses from 30% to 40%. Additionally, he has proposed a new Georgia Child Tax Credit of $250 for children under age 7 and an expansion of employer-sponsored child care tax incentives. Jones also emphasized how these measures could benefit families and help resolve staffing challenges in child care facilities.
“These measures will help families who are struggling to afford the cost of child care and will encourage more businesses to offer child care as an employee benefit. Crucially, these efforts will also make day care more affordable and accessible for day care workers themselves, helping to address a critical shortage in that field,” Jones stated.
A Senate study committee, chaired by Sen. Brian Strickland of McDonough, has backed these initiatives and put forward additional recommendations. The committee’s proposals include expanding slots in the Child and Parent Services (CAPS) program, evaluating pay for infant and toddler teachers compared to pre-K and K-12 educators, and potentially extending lottery-funded pre-K services to include 3-year-olds.
Balancing Ambition with Budget Caution
While there is broad agreement on the importance of addressing child care costs, funding remains a key question. Atlanta Senator Elena Parent highlighted bipartisan support for these reforms but noted potential debates over the state’s financial commitment.
Strickland suggested focusing on expanding current programs rather than creating costly new initiatives. For instance, while a proposed early child care trust fund could yield long-term financial benefits, it would require a significant initial investment. Supporters, including the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, have argued that such a fund could generate substantial returns over time, but lawmakers are cautious about making large financial commitments upfront.
Parent sees the state’s $11 billion budget surplus as an opportunity to invest in long-term solutions, calling a trust fund a “self-sustaining” option that could provide lasting benefits for Georgia families.
Broader Discussions Expected
The committee also urged legislators to address workplace discrimination against pregnant women, pointing to testimonies of women losing their jobs due to pregnancy. Other topics likely to come up during the session include extending paternity leave benefits for state employees and exploring additional ways to support families with young children.
Strickland expressed optimism that lawmakers are ready to act. “I think you’re looking at a big conversation around doing more to help people with children find ways to work, because it’s obviously good for these families, but it’s also good for businesses and employees as well,” he said.
Legislative proposals based on the committee’s recommendations are expected to be introduced early next year, paving the way for what could be significant changes to Georgia’s child care landscape.
