Rep. Joy Goeben (R-Hobart) yesterday released a package of five bills designed to expand access to child care while providing tools to help families afford care and child care providers to boost capacity. The multi-pronged approach includes market-based solutions such as tax-advantaged savings accounts and bringing our regulations in line with surrounding states.
“As a mother of four, I understand the challenges working families face,” Rep. Goeben said. “Parents are facing increased costs with basic necessities like food, shelter, and clothing. Childcare is no different, and costs are increasing because of worker shortages and a host of other issues.”
Under the bills released this week, families can create a pre-tax child care reimbursement account. Parents, family members and employers would be able to contribute to the account, which can total up to $10,000 annually.
One of the bills modestly adjust the ratio of child care providers to children that could be allowed in a class, while another lowers the assistant teacher age requirements and keeps all applicable training requirements. The last bill would create a new classification of in-home child care centers, with the ability to care for up to 12 children. Current “Family Care Centers” are capped at just eight children.
“Families in Wisconsin pay about $915 per month for a child in full time care. Throwing more taxpayer money at the problem will lead to higher costs, but no real savings for Wisconsin families,” said Rep. Goeben. “That’s why my Assembly Republican colleagues and I are targeting real, long-term reforms to help parents and providers.”
