TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas — Travis County leaders are looking at a proposal to make child care more affordable.
The proposal would eventually be up to voters to decide whether a tax rate increase is necessary to help pay for child care programs.
If the plan moves forward, voters would decide on a property tax rate increase of 2.5 cents per $100 valuation. County leaders said that comes out to about $10 per month for the average Travis County resident.
The proposal would generate an estimated $75 million a year for child care and after-school programs.
“Provide child care for thousands of kids and after-school care for thousands of kids and thousands of families here in Travis County," Travis County Judge Andy Brown said. "Eliminate the waitlist there already is ... [for] child care slots and after school slots by giving this option to voters in November."
Amelia Del Rio has a 4-year-old son and gets some financial assistance to help pay for child care. But soon, Del Rio will no longer qualify for that program. She said she knows the costs will be a big challenge.
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“Right now, child care is about $1,200 to $1,500 a month for one child. It should be prioritized. Parents should have more support, especially single parents," Del Rio said.
She also said she has friends who are feeling the struggle of costs.
"Resources should be more available to parents so they won’t have to go on a rabbit hole," Del Rio said. "It should be promoted and a normal thing for child care assistance."
Advocates like Cathy McHorse, the Affordable Childcare Coalition manager at United Way for Greater Austin, said if this gets on the ballot and is approved, it could really make a difference.
“Investing in improved access to quality child care expanded hours of childcare and improved workforce in our child care system," McHorse said.
Judge Brown said this could help as many as 8,000 families. There will be a hearing on Aug. 13, and Travis County commissioners will likely have a final vote on whether or not to put the measure on the November ballot.