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Committee advances three-part child and child-care workforce tax credit package
Summary
Sen. Josh Kasmeier’s SB321 — refundable child tax credit, childcare worker credit and employer credit — drew broad proponent support from business groups, providers and pediatricians; the committee approved the bill 13–8 and referred it to the floor.
Sen. Josh Kasmeier introduced Senate Bill 321 as a three-pronged package to help families and expand childcare supply: a refundable child tax credit (up to $600), a $1,600 credit for childcare workers and a $5,000 employer credit for businesses supporting childcare.
Proponents included the Montana Chamber of Commerce, 0 to 5 Montana, the Montana Economic Developers Association, childcare providers and the Montana Catholic Conference. Sheridan Hoyer of the Chamber said the package targets workforce and affordability problems that cost employers and the state; Kaitlyn Jensen of 0 to 5 Montana described the credits as a ‘‘bipartisan bill that tackles three urgent challenges’’ and noted the Senate amendment reduced one provision from $1,200 to $600.
Opponents were limited and included the Montana Society of CPAs, which expressed concern about adding credits to the income tax code and urged grants or direct funding as an alternative. DOR witnesses Aaron McNay and Jake Ford answered questions on fiscal and administrative details. Tracy Moseman of DPHHS discussed data sharing and said Department of Labor statistics show labor-force impacts from childcare shortages.
After questions and brief exchanges on administration and fiscal cost (committee noted a fiscal note near $45 million annually at steady state), the committee voted 13–8 to concur in SB321 and designated Representative Nicola Kakos as the chamber carrier.
Ending: SB321 passed the House Taxation Committee and will move to the floor for further consideration.
