Lower Bucks Today

Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick has introduced the Affordable Child Care Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at easing the financial burden of child care for working families. Representatives Sharice Davids, Ryan Mackenzie, and Suzanne Bonamici joined him in this effort to double key tax credits, thereby providing financial relief to parents facing rising child care costs.

Fitzpatrick emphasized his commitment to supporting working families by enhancing access to affordable child care. "The skyrocketing cost of childcare impacts not only the budgets but choices of working families in PA-1," he stated. He believes that no parent should have to choose between financial security and quality child care for their children.

Davids echoed these sentiments, highlighting her personal experience growing up with a single mother. "Child care is critical for both our kids' futures and our workforce," she said. The high costs often force parents to reduce work hours or incur debt.

Mackenzie shared his own experiences as a new parent dealing with high child care expenses. "Working families are facing record-high costs for childcare," he noted, expressing pride in joining this bipartisan initiative.

Bonamici pointed out the long-term benefits of investing in children's well-being through improved tax policies. She stated that doubling existing tax credits would create more opportunities for American families.

The bill proposes significant changes: doubling the Child and Dependent Care Credit, increasing Employer-Provided Child Care Credit limits, and raising contributions for Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts. These measures aim to make quality child care more accessible.

Radha Mohan from the Early Care & Education Consortium supported the bill's introduction, noting that it addresses outdated tax provisions hindering access to affordable child care. Christy Gleason from Save the Children also backed the initiative, citing its potential impact on early education accessibility.

Sarah Rittling from First Five Years Fund highlighted the necessity of updating tax provisions that have remained unchanged for over two decades despite rising costs. She praised the bipartisan leadership shown by Fitzpatrick and his colleagues.

The Affordable Child Care Act has received endorsements from organizations such as Child Care Aware America and Learning Care Group.