In a move hailed by childcare providers across Travis County, local government officials have taken a bold step to address the steep costs of child care by passing a 100% property tax exemption for qualifying childcare centers. Eligible providers in the county are set to benefit from the exemption beginning in the 2024 tax year, a move facilitated by Texas voters who, in the previous year, endorsed Proposition 2 allowing such tax breaks.

The unanimous decision by Travis County commissioners provides much-needed financial respite ahead of the expiration of federal relief funding, which had previously helped childcare centers stay afloat and maintain their staffing levels during the pandemic. "Today marks a historic milestone in providing relief for working families as Travis County faces the highest child care costs in the state of Texas," said Travis County Judge Andy Brown in a statement obtained by KXAN.

To take advantage of the exemption, property owners must apply to the Travis Central Appraisal District using Form 50-844 by April 30; details on submitting applications are available via the district's website or through contact information provided by the district. With about 50 properties meeting the eligibility requirements according to Judge Brown, this new tax exemption promises to relieve the county's budget while simultaneously bolstering childcare services in the area.

The ripple effects of easing financial pressures on childcare providers go beyond just their balance sheets; it empowers them to extend their services to more working parents helping them stay employed support their staff and invest in ongoing professional development, as a result, children benefit from higher quality care—as reported by KVUE. Child care access is not just an idle concern but a pressing issue in Travis County with thousands of children on waitlists for subsidized care, and families usually spending an average of two years waiting for a spot to open up before they can rejoin the workforce.