Travis County officials approved a tax rate election for this November’s ballot, proposing an estimated $126 hike for the average taxable homestead value to support increasing access to affordable child care across the county.
The impact
Commissioners are proposing a tax increase of $0.025 per $100 valuation, which equates to around $10.50 a month for the average Travis County homeowner, according to county documents. The new revenue would bring in over $75 million for expansion of affordable early childhood care and after-school programs.
Explained
Staff working on the commissioners’ initiative provided an update June 25 regarding several specific programs that would enhance access to affordable child care throughout the county:
- Increase subsidy spots in early childhood daycares; create incentives for providers to offer reduced-tuition slots
- Increase after-school and summer care slots
- Expand nontraditional-hours child care—child care options outside the regular 9-to-5 workday for parents who work atypical hours
- Cover gaps in state subsidy funding
To fund the commissioners’ plans for Creating Access for Resilient Families, or CARES—originally approved May 14—a vote will still need to be taken to Travis County residents this November.
What they're saying
Deemed a “historic" moment by Travis County Judge Andy Brown, county commissioners unanimously approved the proposed tax rate increase Aug. 13.
“As the father of two young children, this is personal for me,” Brown said during a press conference after the vote. “Everyone standing behind me who has been working on this initiative for the last decade knows that there is no other community in our state more dedicated to building a hopeful, prosperous future for our children and for our grandchildren. ...Thankfully, Travis County has never waited for the state to step up before we step in. Every penny we invest in child care today will lead to better outcomes and brighter futures for kids tomorrow.”
No individuals spoke in opposition of the proposed tax rate during the public hearing.
Put in perspective
Affordable Childcare Now—a United Way coalition—said across the state an estimated $9.4 billion is lost every year as a result of lack of access to child care.
Investing in early childhood services and care improves educational outcomes, reduces incarceration rates, lowers health care costs and improves workforce participation, according to the advocacy group.
“We want everyone to thrive in this community, and investing in child care can do that for us,” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said. “With every dollar invested in child care, $13 goes back into our community. And folks, that's a great return on our investment.”
Looking ahead
Travis County residents can cast their vote on the proposed tax increase during the Nov. 5 election. Community members have until Oct. 7 to register to vote.
Other important dates to know include:
- First day of early voting: Oct. 21
- Last day to apply for mail-in ballot: Oct. 25
- Last day of early voting: Nov. 1
- Election Day: Nov. 5
- Mail-in ballots must be postmarked: Nov. 5, 7 p.m.
Commissioners also approved the maximum tax rate increase for the next year, now set at $0.3195 per $100 valuation—an estimated $162 increase from last year for the average homeowner.
If the proposed child care tax increase is approved by voters, the average homeowner could see their taxes rise by $288 in total per year. This increase combines the already approved maximum rate, which does not require voter approval, with the proposed CARES tax rate increase included on the November ballot.
County officials are required to hold a tax rate election when the proposed rate exceeds previously voter-approved levels. The current voter-approval rate is set at $0.3195 per $100 valuation and the proposed child care tax hike will set the new rate at $0.3445 per $100 valuation.
