West Virginia Senate minority leader proposes child-care tax credit up to 50%

(The Center Square) – A Democratic lawmaker in West Virginia is proposing up to a 50% tax credit on child care expenses for working families.

Senate Minority Leader Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, has proposed a 2024 legislative bill aimed at reducing child poverty and improving child-care availability.

“In West Virginia, our child poverty rate is 25% and trending upward,” Woelfel said in a statement. “Often, it is cheaper for one parent to stay home to care for their children instead of re-entering the work force.”

The bill would create tiered tax credits where low-income families could receive up to 50% of their child-care expenses back as tax credits. He says it would create economic security for those working on additional education, are in an apprenticeship or are working toward improving their future employment options.

“Our state ranks fourth in the nation in residents living in child-care deserts. 29% of our children under six are eligible for a childcare expense subsidy,” Woelfel said. “However, 81% of these kids are unserved due to insufficient slots in licensed child-care centers. Quality, affordable child care is sparse.”