Senate advances 10‑year extension of Colorado Child Care Contribution Tax Credit

The Senate Finance Committee voted to send House Bill 26‑1004 to appropriations after sponsors and supporters described the Child Care Contribution Tax Credit (CCTC) as a bipartisan tool that leverages private donations to support early‑childhood providers.

Minority Leader Cleve Simpson, a prime sponsor, urged the committee to continue the credit for another decade and described broad support from early childhood councils and business coalitions. Nicole Reel, president and CEO of Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC), said the tax credit "provides donors to early childhood and youth‑serving organizations a 50% tax credit up to $100,000 annually to about 6,000 organizations across Colorado," and credited the CCTC with helping build new centers and sustain operations.

Online and in‑person witnesses described local examples where the credit unlocked private investment, preserved slots and helped providers improve teacher pay and reduce tuition. The committee moved HB 26‑1004 to the Committee on Appropriations with a favorable recommendation.