Child Care

Voters were asked to approve a property tax rate increase of 2.5 cents per $100 valuation to pay for more affordable child care in Travis County.

Travis County Proposition A asks voters to approve a 2.5 cent per $100 valuation tax rate increase. If it passes, it’ll add about $126 to the average Travis County homeowner’s annual property tax bill.

Travis County commissioners voted to put a tax rate hike on the ballot. If approved, it could cost the average homeowner an additional $126 annually.

If approved, the 2.5 cent increase would generate nearly $77 million to help low-income families.

The Austin City Council voted to give a 100% property tax exemption to eligible child care operators beginning in 2024. The city will also look at how to provide similar relief to other operators who are not eligible.

The Austin City Council on Thursday approved changes to land rules that will allow more properties to be zoned for day care services. The move is intended to help reduce costs and long waitlists.

Nearly 50% of child care providers in Travis County are not sure if they’ll be able to keep their doors open after federal relief funds run out.

Thirty-two groups sent a letter to Texas lawmakers on Monday urging them to increase state funding for child care. The state has lost more than a fourth of its child care programs since 2020.

Just a few years ago, one tiny Texas school system decided to try a four-day school week. Now, nearly 50 districts use them. Officials hope the schedule attracts quality teachers and helps retain the rest, as many schools struggle to stay fully staffed. The schedule is still being tested in many schools; but in others, results are in.

The number of women in the workforce has finally returned to pre-pandemic levels, which is good for the economy. But after time away from the job market some women are reassessing their priorities.