Hi John.

I’ve made lowering costs for Kansans a top priority. So today, I’d like to share an update on how I’m pushing to lower the cost of child care.
 
I understand child care is a huge expense for many Kansans. In fact, recently, I got a firsthand update on how child care costs are impacting a local family.
 
The Zigtemas, who live in Shawnee, shared with me that child care is their single biggest expense. I know they aren't alone. It's time for hardworking families to get relief. 
 
That's why I'm supporting a bipartisan bill to double child care tax cuts for middle-class families. Click here to learn more about it.

I was raised by a single mom. I know how much a little extra money in the bank account can make a big difference.

The Zigetmas were kind enough to let me join them as they picked up their children from day care.

They told me how they wondered if one of them should stay home from work because child care was just too expensive.

It simply shouldn't be this way.

It was great to catch up with the Zigtemas and get to know more about their family.

That's why I introduced the bipartisan Affordable Childcare Act, alongside my colleague Representative Marc Molinaro from New York earlier this year.

Our bill doubles three different tax breaks to help families pay for their child care.

For example, it boosts the Child and Dependent Care Credit. This helps families offset the cost of child care and dependent care expenses. It lets parents claim a percentage of these expenses on their federal income tax return. Our bill increases this credit to $6,000 for one dependent and $12,000 for two or more children.

Child care is essential not only for giving kids like Eli and Colby Zigtema a strong start. It's important for allowing parents to earn a living and support their families.

It also double the amount someone can contribute to a dependent care flexible spending account.

These are employer sponsored benefits that let employees set aside pre-tax money to cover eligible care expenses. Our bill boosts the account contribution limit to $10,000. This would let parents save and use more pre-tax dollars for caregiving expenses.

I've also taken other steps to bring down child care costs – including by voting for bipartisan legislation to boost the Child Tax Credit. This would benefit 136,000 families with children in Kansas.


I know there's a lot more work to do. So as I keep pushing for concrete and bipartisan solutions to make life more affordable, please know you can always find resources on my website to lower your costs.

Please click here to visit davids.house.gov/lowercosts. You can find resources for groceries, gas, utilities, credit cards, and more.

It's an honor to serve you and your family in the U.S. House of Representatives. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

My warmest regards,

Sharice L. Davids
Member of Congress

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