Pair of Bills Aimed at Strenthening Child Care Access for Oklahoma Families Clear First Legislative Hurdle

Bill Author Says the Measures are a “Common Sense” Solution to Real Problems Families Face Navigating Overburdened Childcare System

A pair of bills aimed at easing the burden Oklahoma families face accessing child care in order to stay in the workforce, cleared their first legislative hurdle this week and are one step closer to becoming law.

House Bill 2451 that passed the House Subcommittee on Revenue and Taxation on Monday, takes aim at the lack of childcare centers and the workforce shortage facing the industry by creating tax incentives to help grow the industry and provide much needed tax relief for childcare workers across the state.

“Addressing these issues will ensure the growth and sustainability of this important sector of Oklahoma’s economy while at the same time send a message to Oklahoma families that we are working for common sense solutions to the real problems they face staying in the workforce,” Rep. Schreiber, D-Tulsa said. “Often the biggest barrier for Oklahomans to stay in the workforce is a lack of consistent and affordable childcare, so that’s what we are attempting to do.” House Bill 2452 passed the House Committee on Children, Youth and Family Services on Tuesday and is geared toward streamlining regulations pertaining to the licensing of child care facilities across the state. Doing so, Schreiber said, ensures child care centers can open and operate efficiently and safely in order to keep their doors open to the families that rely on consistent and quality care for their children while they are at work.

“I’m encouraged by the bi-partisan support and the excitement we’re generating with these bills, Schreiber said. “I came to this capitol building looking to be a problem solver for the issues that Oklahomans care about the most. Removing barriers for not only Oklahoma business, but also for the Oklahoma families who rely on consistent and quality child care, is a common sense solution that I’m honored to be a part of in my first legislation session.”

Both bills received unanimous approval and will move to the next step in the legislative process.