AUSTIN, Texas — Work is already underway to make child care more affordable in Travis County.
In November, voters approved Proposition A, which called for a 2.5 cent tax rate increase. The money will help low-income families afford child care, afterschool and summer programs.
Starting this year, county leaders are aiming to expand existing child care services and lower the wait time for families who apply.
The $75 million generated by the tax increase is slated to cover funding for four strategies to improve child care in the county, including:
- Expanding slots for infants and toddlers and for afterschool and summer programming (pre-K through 12th grade)
- Expanding nontraditional hour care
- Building quality and capacity
- Business-government alliance for business contributions to employee child care costs by matching public funds
The county is in the process of hiring staff to help implement these strategies. Listening sessions and community engagement will take place early this year.
In June of next year, the county plans to add more services for kids under 3 years old.
County leaders hope to have Prop A fully launched by the end of 2026.