Washington, D.C. – In Pennsylvania, the average cost of full-time center-based daycare is $11,560 for an infant and $8,712 for a 4-year-old. To help reduce the burden placed on working families, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) is joined by 20 of his Democratic colleagues in introducing the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Enhancement Act, legislation to make child care accessible and more affordable for working families.
“All children deserve the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of where they are born or their family’s income. That is why it so important that we ensure all families have access to high quality, affordable early learning and childcare,” said Senator Casey. “This measure works to help achieve that goal by making common sense improvements to the existing Child Care Tax Credit, including increasing the full tax credit amount, and by making the full credit available to more working families. I am proud to be joined by 20 of my Democratic colleagues in this fight.”
Specifically, The Child Care and Dependent Credit Enhancement Act would:
- Make the full Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit available to most working families: This bill would make the full credit available to families with income under $120,000. The current phase-down of the credit begins at $15,000 of income.
- Put more money into a family’s pocket: The bill increases the maximum credit from $1,050 to $3,000 per child (age 0-13), up to $6,000.
- Ensure lower income families see a benefit: The bill would make the credit fully refundable to make sure those with the greatest need see a benefit.
- Retain the value over time: The bill would index benefits to inflation to ensure they keep up with ever-growing costs.
The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).
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