Porter continues to fight for affordable child care

Yesterday, Jan. 29, State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) offered two amendments to support Indiana’s families by increasing access to pre-K and child care. The first amendment on House Bill 1038 would have directed $50 million in new casino revenue to child care and pre-K programs. The second amendment on House Bill 1177 would have removed the $2.5 million cap on the Employer Child Care Tax Credit, expanding the benefit to more companies. Both amendments were voted down by the majority.

Porter released the following statement: 

“I don’t want to wait until next year to solve this problem for our parents. I want it solved today. Parents need care for their kids now. Child care centers are closing now. These are problems for the present, not for the future. Bringing your baby to work isn’t a solution. 

“We cannot be a ‘pro-family’ state when parents can’t find or afford child care or pre-K. These were two common-sense amendments that would have supported our families. If new casinos are going to pay a $50 million licensing fee, let’s use that money for our communities. If we’re going to offer this Employer Child Care Tax Credit, let’s expand the number of businesses that can take advantage. 

“We can’t change anything if we kick the can down the road until tomorrow. We can get this done for our families. It’s all about the majority’s will to act.”

This session, Porter authored House Bill 1026, which would have allocated $300 million from the Financial Responsibility and Opportunity Growth Fund to the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). The bill did not receive a committee hearing.