Committee backs pilot to match employer childcare contributions for lower-wage workers

Representative Schreiber said House Bill 4,199 is a public–private pilot aimed at lowering childcare costs by enabling employers to contribute toward employees’ childcare and having the state match up to one-third of the employer contribution for workers earning between 150% and 250% of the federal poverty level.

Schreiber described the program as voluntary for employers; the employer determines the amount it invests and the state match would scale to the employer’s contribution. She characterized the proposal as a targeted pilot limited to a specific wage band rather than an across-the-board entitlement.

A do-pass motion was moved, seconded and adopted. The committee recorded 4 ayes and 0 nays and the chair declared House Bill 4,199 passed out of committee.

Schreiber thanked the committee for considering the idea and indicated willingness to work with stakeholders on the proposal.