Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Childcare topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee unanimously backs expanding property tax credit for childcare providers from $3,000 to $10,000
Summary
Bill 21‑25 would raise Montgomery County’s property tax credit for childcare providers to $10,000, remove an outdated eligibility date, and expand eligibility to large family childcare homes; the GO committee gave the measure a unanimous recommendation to forward to full council
Council President and bill sponsor introduced Bill 21‑25 to expand the county’s property tax credit for childcare providers. The measure would increase the maximum annual credit from $3,000 to $10,000, remove an eligibility cutoff tied to improvements done in the 1980s, add large family child care homes (serving nine to 12 children), and update language to match current state law.
“This bill would expand the property tax credit for childcare providers in our County,” the sponsor said, framing the proposal as part of a broader response to a statewide decline in licensed childcare providers. The sponsor cited a state Comptroller report that Maryland has lost 15.5% of licensed providers and over 1,000 home‑based providers in recent years and said the policy change is intended to help keep existing providers and attract new ones.
Staff told the committee there were no committee amendments and that testimony at the public hearing showed broad support, including from Delegate Julie Plakovich Carr, who sponsored state enabling legislation, and from local stakeholders such as the Montgomery County Community Action Board. Committee members praised the bill as a practical step to support providers. One councilmember said the measure was “as close to a no brainer for me as we as we've had up here.” Staff and members emphasized the need for outreach because the existing credit previously reached only five providers; the committee asked staff and the executive branch to plan a public information effort so providers learn of the expanded credit.
Outcome The committee voted to recommend Bill 21‑25 be forwarded to the full council with a unanimous committee recommendation. Staff indicated no technical amendments were needed and that the executive branch and OMB were available for implementation questions.
Ending The committee advanced the bill to the full council and asked the executive's office and OMB to coordinate outreach to childcare providers about the change if the council adopts the credit expansion.
