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Bill

Bill

HB 647

Regards publicly funded child care, the Child Care Cred Program

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Phil Plummer and 1 co-sponsor

Ohio establishes Child Care Cred Program providing publicly funded child care support to increase family access and affordability through financial credits or direct assistance.

Introduced
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Bill Summary · HB 647

Legislative bill overview

HB 647 establishes the Child Care Cred Program, a publicly funded child care initiative in Ohio. The bill provides financial support or credits to families or child care providers to increase access to affordable child care services. Specific funding mechanisms, eligibility requirements, and program structure are being defined through this legislation.

Why is this important

Child care costs represent a significant burden for working families, often consuming 10-20% of household income. This program could improve workforce participation, particularly among low-to-moderate income parents, while supporting Ohio's child care provider workforce. Affordable child care access is linked to improved early childhood development and educational outcomes.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source and budget impact: Whether the program uses new tax revenue, reallocation from existing budgets, or general funds—and whether costs are sustainable long-term
  • Eligibility and equity: Questions about income thresholds, geographic coverage (urban vs. rural), and whether benefits reach the most vulnerable families or primarily benefit middle-class workers
  • Provider participation requirements: Whether providers must meet specific quality or wage standards to participate, potentially affecting small providers or limiting program reach

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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