ICYMI: Bipartisan Bill To Boost Child Care Workforce Clears Senate

The targeted tax credit will support working families, child development, and economic growth

DENVER, CO - The Senate today gave final approval to Senator Janet Buckner’s, D-Aurora, helping make child care more affordable and boosting the early childhood educator workforce.

Cosponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, HB22-1010 would create the early childhood educator tax credit to help save early childhood educators money and encourage new providers to enter the field. 

“Early childhood educators are among the lowest paid professionals in every state, including Colorado,” said Buckner. “I was a proud sponsor of HB22-1295, which is bringing free child care to every Colorado family, starting in the fall of 2023. As the demand for quality early childhood educators rapidly increases, we must do all we can to ensure it is a viable, attractive career path for Coloradans – this bill helps do just that.”

Boosting the child care workforce will expand child care options in Colorado and ultimately lower the cost of child care in Colorado. Child care providers are facing significant workforce challenges as workers leave the field for higher paying, less stressful jobs.

The bill comes shortly after the passage of Senator Buckner’s landmark bill to implement universal preschool and provide high-quality early childhood education and support to every Colorado kid.

HB22-1010 will now head to the Governor for signature. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.