Travis County To Vote On Childcare Tax Rate Increase

Travis County, TX – The Travis County Commissioners Court has passed the decision on whether or not to raise funds for affordable child care to the voters. In November, voters will decide on a proposed tax rate increase of 2.5 cents per $100 valuation for 2025, bringing the rate to 3.9790 cents per $100 valuation.

"Basically, what we learned is that almost no child care providers are open during those hours, in early morning, evening or weekend care...Right now, there are over 2,000 children, age 3 and under, on the waiting list for child care subsidy. That is a huge issue because it's preventing parents from going to work." – Cathy McHorse, early childhood consultant

The increase in funding would [provide cheaper child care](https://www.traviscountytx.gov/child-care- affordability) for low-income families and [allow providers to expand their hours](https://www.communityimpact.com/austin/news/2023/06/07/travis-county-voters-decide- whether-increase-tax-rate-fund-affordable-child-care/), helping parents who work nontraditional shifts. It would also enable providers to accept more children, addressing the current shortage of childcare.

Supporters of the initiative, including community members and local businesses, argue that affordable child care benefits the entire community, as it allows parents to work and contributes to long-term gains in literacy and productivity.

"Affordable child care is not a luxury, it's a necessity. It's the key that unlocks the door to educational success." – Veronda Durden, president and CEO of Any Baby Can, quoting client Ariana Nieve

The court's unanimous decision to place the tax increase on the ballot was met with applause, and it has also received support from Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, who believes it will help make Austin "the best place in America to raise a child."

Sources:

• https://www.traviscountytexas.gov/tax-office/tax-rates
• [https://www.traviscountytx.gov/child-care-affordability](https://www.traviscountytx.gov/child-care- affordability)
• [https://www.communityimpact.com/austin/news/2023/06/07/travis-county-voters-decide-whether-increase-tax-rate-fund-affordable-child-care/](https://www.communityimpact.com/austin/news/2023/06/07/travis-county-voters-decide- whether-increase-tax-rate-fund-affordable-child-care/)
• https://spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/austin/news/2022/12/07/texas-child-care-desert--more-parents-struggle-to-find-affordable-child-care
• https://www.statesman.com/story/news/local/2023/07/26/affordable-child-care/11792109/072623/
• https://literacytexas.org/economic-impact/
• https://stripe.com/en-US/blog/childcare-benefits-everyone-austin