Research Finds Build Back Better Act Could Save Missouri Families Thousands of Dollars in Childcare Costs Every Year

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) highlighted a new analysis released by the House Committee on Education and Labor, which found that the Build Back Better Act could save Missouri families thousands of dollars in childcare costs each year. The Committee's report found that the typical Missouri family of four with one infant in full-time center-based childcare would save approximately $8,080 each year if the Build Back Better Act were enacted. The study also found that the typical Missouri family of four with one infant and one child in full-time center-based childcare would save approximately $14,900 per year.

"As our economy continues to recover from a devastating global pandemic, it's becoming clearer by the day that Missouri families, and women in particular, are struggling to return to the workforce due to exorbitant childcare costs," said Congressman Cleaver. "With the Build Back Better Act, we have an opportunity to provide Missouri mothers and fathers with affordable options that will ensure no family pays more than 7 percent of their income on childcare. Not only will that support our small businesses by enabling parents to return to work, but it will free up thousands of dollars that working families can spend on other essential items like groceries, rent, utilities, school supplies, and more. That's a win-win in my book--and why I'm fighting to ensure investments in affordable childcare remain in the President's Build Back Better agenda."

As it currently stands, the Build Back Better Act guarantees that no Missouri family would pay more than 7 percent of their income on childcare. Families making 100 percent of the State Median Income or less--which is roughly $85,000 for a family of four in Missouri--would pay no more than 2 percent of their income on childcare.

Source