Waterloo Times

Congresswoman Ashley Hinson has highlighted recent legislative efforts to improve access to child care, describing the issue as significant for women, families, and the workforce. Drawing on her personal experience seeking daycare during her second pregnancy, Hinson noted that many parents face similar challenges.

Hinson emphasized that nearly 15 million children under five in the United States may require care due to parental employment. She pointed out that rising costs have made it difficult for families to find reliable and affordable options.

According to Hinson, Republican lawmakers have taken steps under President Trump’s leadership to address these issues through the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” She stated: “The ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ included critical provisions to help parents afford the child care solution that works best for their families. It strengthens the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit and the Employer-Provided Child Care Tax Credit, while also expanding Dependent Care Assistance Plans. Together, these reforms will make child care more affordable, flexible, and available to families in every corner of the country.”

She explained that this legislation modernizes the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit for the first time since 2001. “While child care costs have jumped more than 250 percent since then, the credit has remained stagnant — making it far less effective for today’s families. By permanently updating the tax credit, we’ll help parents keep more of their hard-earned income to pay for daycare, babysitters and before- and after-school programs,” Hinson said.

The bill also expands incentives for businesses: “Our legislation also expands the Child Care Tax Credit — which also hasn’t been updated since 2001— to make it easier for businesses of all sizes to support their employees with child care. Under the tax credit, employers can offer on-site child care or partner with local providers, giving their teams dependable, convenient options while they work.”

Additional measures include raising caps on employer-sponsored Dependent Care Assistance Plans: “In addition, the bill raises the cap on employer-sponsored Dependent Care Assistance Plans, allowing parents to set aside up to $7,500 pre-tax for child care expenses. Combine that with a permanent increase to the Child Tax Credit to $2,200 per child, new Trump Savings Accounts to help families build financial security from birth, and a permanent paid leave tax credit, and we’re finally delivering the resources parents need to thrive.”

Hinson contrasted these actions with previous efforts by Democrats: “We’re not just talking about improving child care access — as my Democrat colleagues did when they had total control in Washington — we’re delivering real solutions. With child care for two kids now costing more than rent in all 50 states, this action was sorely needed, and President Trump’s leadership made it a reality.”

“These policies may not make headline news, but they will make a difference for families across this country who deserve the opportunity to work, raise kids and achieve their goals,” she added.

“Strong families build a strong economy — and a stronger country. And Republicans, under President Trump, are proud to be the party of strong families,” Hinson concluded.

Ashley Hinson is currently serving in Congress representing Iowa’s 2nd district after replacing Abby Finkenauer in 2021 (https://hinson.house.gov/about/). Before her election to Congress in 2021 (https://ballotpedia.org/Ashley_Hinson), she served in Iowa’s House of Representatives from 2017 until 2021. Born in Des Moines in 1983 at age 39 (https://www.congress.gov/member/ashley-hinson/H001091), she resides in Marion and holds a BA from University of Southern California earned in 2004.