Tri-Share Child Care Pilot Act of 2025
Summary
The Tri-Share Child Care Pilot Act of 2025 aims to establish a federal pilot program where child care expenses are shared among employers, employees, and the government. This program would operate through competitive grants to state lead agencies, who would then distribute funds to eligible child care providers. The goal is to make child care more affordable and accessible for working families.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this act would amend the Social Security Act to create a new pilot program for cost-sharing of child care. This would involve the federal government, employers, and parents each covering one-third of eligible child care costs. The program includes provisions for application processes, payment schedules, and evaluation, with a total appropriation of $250 million per fiscal year for the program period.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to affordable child care for eligible families.
- Financial relief for working parents by reducing child care expenses.
- Incentivizes employer participation in supporting employee child care needs.
- Potential for improved employee retention and workforce participation.
- Supports child care providers through direct payments from lead agencies.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential administrative overhead and complexity in managing the tri-share system.
- Limited funding may restrict the number of families served.
- Eligibility requirements may exclude some families in need.
- Reliance on employer participation, which may vary across industries and regions.
- Possible delays or inconsistencies in payments to child care providers.
Constitutional Alignment
The proposed act appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the U.S. Constitution (Preamble), as it aims to promote the well-being of families by addressing child care affordability. The act's establishment of a pilot program and allocation of funds fall within the powers granted to Congress under Article I, Section 8, which allows Congress to collect taxes and provide for the general welfare of the United States. The program's structure, involving federal grants to states, aligns with the principles of federalism, allowing states to administer the program according to their specific needs and circumstances.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).