Childcare measures were on the ballot in several cities across the country as many families contend with the soaring costs---driven largely by a national shortage of workers and facilities.
Specifically, voters were asked whether they approved tax hikes to fund childcare initiatives in several locations.
Where Tax Hikes Passed
Travis County (Austin, Texas)
Voters in Travis County passed Proposition A, which would increase property taxes by 2.5 cents per $100 of property valuation. Homeowners will now pay an additional $126 per year in property taxes, on average.
This hike is estimated to generate $75 million annually, which will be used to expand affordable childcare options in the county. The funds aim to create 6,000 childcare slots for low-income families and 3,000 slots for after-school and summer programs.
The measure gained 59.43% of the votes.
Read more: Over 1 Million Parents Shorten Work Hours, Lose $1,500 in Income Amid US Childcare Crisis
Sonoma County, California
In Sonoma County, voters passed Measure I, which approved a quarter-cent increase in sales tax to help fund childcare initiatives. The tax hike is expected to generate $30 million annually.
At least 60% of the funding will be used to enhance early childcare and preschool access for low-income families as well as improve the wages of child care workers. The remaining 40% of the funding will be used for health and mental health services for children.
The measure comes after a report found that the COVID-19 pandemic obliterated the county's childcare workforce. Following the pandemic, just over half of all childcare slots remained.
Where Tax Hikes Failed
St. Paul, Minnesota
Voters in St. Paul failed to pass a childcare tax levy that would have funded daycare for families in need. The measure would have generated $20 million to fund free childcare for children from households making less than 185% of the federal poverty level.
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter previously argued that providing free childcare would cost the administration $111 million annually. He vetoed the measure, but the city council later overrode his decision.
It is important to note that Carter said he would not implement the childcare subsidy program even if it had passed the ballot due to "misleading" language on the bill.
