CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – West Virginia Democrats are calling on Governor Jim Justice to do more for child care in the Mountain State.
The issue will be discussed in a special session of the House on September 30. Democrats say the governor’s proposal is a good starting point, but more funding is needed.
An estimated 36,000 children in West Virginia are cared for in daycare, and there are about 1,200 child care centers. Currently, the maximum federal tax credit is $454 per child. A proposed state tax credit would add another $225. Yet Democrats say child care costs an average of $150 to $200 per week per child. They and many Republicans want more funding to facilitate families.
“In West Virginia, we have actually reduced state spending on child care. In fiscal year 2015, it was about $16 or $18 million, and now it’s $8 million. So we’ve almost cut state spending on child care in half,” said Del. Kayla Young (D) of Kanawha.
Democrats are also concerned about the governor’s proposal to give all workers another 5% cut in the state income tax. The income tax has already been cut by 25%, and some lawmakers worry that further cuts could jeopardize spending on certain state programs.
Once again, the special session begins on Monday, September 30th.
