PEGGY MCGAUGH The Missouri House of Representatives has taken significant steps to prioritize families and children. We have passed several key bills to improve childcare access, expand healthcare coverage and strengthen support for working parents. The Missouri House passed HB 269, a bill designed to address the state’s childcare crisis by establishing three tax credit programs: the Child Care Contribution Tax Credit Act, the Employer-Provided Child Care Assistance Tax Credit Act and the Child Care Providers Tax Credit Act. These programs, set to begin in 2026, incentivize private contributions and employer- supported childcare solutions. HB 269 allows taxpayers to claim up to 75% of their contributions to childcare providers with a cap of $200,000 annually. Employers offering on-site childcare or financial assistance to employees can receive tax credits covering 30% of their expenses. Additionally, childcare providers can claim credits for employee withholdings and capital…