COLUMBUS, Ohio-State lawmakers introduced a proposal at the Ohio Statehouse for a child care credit program aimed at saving families money. The plan involves splitting child care costs equally among workers, employers, and the state, without income qualifications. Workers must reside in Ohio and be selected by their employers, who must have operations in Ohio with multiple participating employees.
Child care providers must be licensed or certified by the state. Participation is voluntary, with a one-time $10 million fund allocated for the program, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Future funding depends on program success and legislative action. The initiative is supported by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and aims to address inadequate state support for child care while assisting families and helping employers attract and retain workers.