AUGUSTA - The Maine House enacted legislation Thursday sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, that would provide for a series of tax credits to support and grow child care providers, provide relief for families and improve quality of care.
Based on Louisiana's School Readiness Tax Credits program, LD 1678 seeks to incentivize and support increased quality of early care and education centers by encouraging administrators and teachers to improve their training through the provision of refundable tax credits.
"It has become crystal clear to me, after nearly 15 years of public service in education, that ensuring as many as possible of our youngest children have the opportunity to build strong foundations is essential to anything we hope for them to accomplish during their school years and as responsible, productive adults," said Millett. "This tax credit program supports and grows these critical small businesses in Maine, offers relief for our families and improves the quality of care for our smallest children. For each of these stakeholders, the credits provide meaningful assistance to improve access and quality."
LD 1678 would provide refundable tax credits to child care providers that provide services under the Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP) or for children in state custody and to administrators, educators and other professional staff working within child care programs that service children under CCSP. The bill would also amend the current income tax credits for child care expenses incurred by families by increasing the maximum amount of the credit to 200% of the federal credit. The legislation also recognizes the important role Maine businesses can play in supporting their employees efforts to obtain necessary child care.
The bill now moves to the Special Appropriations Table.
Millett is serving her first term in the Maine House and represents District 30, part of Cape Elizabeth. She sits on the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee. Prior to representing House District 30, Millett served eight years in the State Senate, representing District 29, which includes South Portland, Cape Elizabeth and part of Scarborough.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Millett] c. 812-1111