Reynolds Introduces Legislation to Help Families Access Quality Child Care

COLUMBUS-State Senator Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester) today announced the introduction of Senate Bill 273, which will help families afford quality child care, and help businesses attract and retain the critical workforce they need to succeed. Senator Reynolds was joined at the press conference by Representative Mark Johnson (R-Chillicothe), Rick Carfagna from the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Prince O Garuba from Goodwill Industries, and representatives from the Ohio Business Roundtable and Groundwork Ohio.

The Child Care Cred Program will permit the cost of child care to be shared equally by eligible Ohio families, their employers, and the Department of Children and Youth, with each contributing a one-third share. Senate Bill 273 requires that an employee must be an Ohio resident selected by their employer and ineligible for publicly funded child care in order to qualify for the Child Care Cred Program. The bill allocates $10 million to this new program that will be distributed on a first come, first served basis, and all child care providers offering services must be appropriately licensed or certified under Ohio law.

"Child care is essential for our families to thrive, but the rising cost is putting a strain on Ohioans' household budgets and lives," Reynolds said. "A lack of access to child care is also a major obstacle for employers who want to grow their workforce and retain their best and brightest employees. Senate Bill 273 will help our families obtain quality child care for their children and support Ohio businesses, including our child care providers."

“If we want Ohio to continue being considered, “business-friendly,” we need to invest in our child care programs,” said Johnson. “This bill will retain talent, assist with child care costs, and sustain our businesses and child care providers.”

"Families and businesses cannot flourish without each other. Senate Bill 273 recognizes this fact and makes sure we invest in their success and, most importantly, the success of our children," said the Senator. 

Senate Bill 273 must next be referred to a committee.