Houston rolled out the red carpet for kiddos today as its City Council cleared the way for tax breaks to child-care centers. Following the lead of voters who gave the green light to Proposition 2 last November, city officials have backed an amendment to give qualifying child-care facilities a shot at dodging some of their property tax bills starting next year.

The new rule, dubbed Section 44-30, throws a bone to daycares that roll with the Texas Rising Star program and fill their kiddie rosters with at least a 20% mix of tots getting a financial leg up through the Texas Workforce Commission. It's a play from the city to ease the strain on providers' wallets and to make sure Houston parents aren't left in the lurch when it comes to finding top-notch care for their young'uns.

Houston's head honcho, Mayor Whitmire, piped up about the move, saying, "We recognize the importance of accessible and high-quality child-care services for our community," according to a statement obtained by the city's newsletter. He added, "This proposed ordinance reflects our commitment an to supporting child-care facilities and ensuring that families have access to the resources they need."

In short, this amendment could be a game-changer for the city's care providers and the broods they look after. And for those child-care outfits itching to get in on the tax break action, the county's advice is to cool their jets until the application details are doled out either later this week or the next.

For the compliance-curious or those just looking for the nitty-gritty on who gets to slip the taxman's grip, a trip to the city website should shine some light. The council promises more deets on this new slice of tax code is on the horizon.