Travis County commissioners on Tuesday unanimously voted to add a tax rate hike to the Nov. 5 ballot in an effort to increase access to affordable childcare.
How Much Is the Increase and Who Would Be Paying?
If voters approve the Travis County CARES Initiative in November, homeowners would see property taxes rise by 2.5 cents per $100 valuation The increase would bring the property tax rate to 34.4445 cents per $100 taxable value. That means average county homeowners would pay roughly $10.50 more a month.
County officials say the increase would bring in a whopping $75 million to go toward childcare services.
What Services Would Be Funded?
With that $75 million budget, the county plans to make childcare cheaper for lower income families, increase care during nontraditional hours, grow the number of contracted slots of infants and toddlers, and increase the number of after school and summer programs available.
The county also wants to use the money to get better childcare providers and also incentivize businesses to contribute to their employees’ childcare costs.
When Would Services Be Available?
Childcare services would be available in phases as soon as next fall and in 2026, county officials say.
Who Would Be Eligible?
Eligibility would likely depend on household income and residency, according to the county’s fact sheet on the initiative.
“The Travis County CARES Initiative will make high-quality, affordable child and afterschool care available to thousands of low-income families in our community,” said Travis County Judge Andy Brown, after commissioners’ recent vote.
When Is the Election?
Election Day is Nov. 5. You have until Oct. 7 to register to vote.
Early voting starts Oct. 21 and goes until Nov. 1.
Want To Know More?
Listen to our recent episode with Travis County Judge Andy Brown.
