Senator Greg Razer Pre-files Legislation to Make Child Care More Affordable

JEFFERSON CITY —State Sen. Greg Razer, D-Kansas City, pre-filed legislation to make child care more affordable and accessible for employees in Missouri through cost-sharing. 

Filed on Friday, Dec. 1, the first day of pre-filing for the 2024 session, Senate Bill 881 would create a pilot program, administered by the Office of Childhood and in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Economic Development, for eligible Missouri employees who work for participating employers and have incomes between 201% to 325% of the federal poverty level.   

The program would include a cost-sharing agreement between employers, employees and the state to equally share the cost of child care services provided by participating providers. 

“Child care is an issue for our state’s working parents, businesses and economic future,” Sen. Razer said. “Sharing the costs and working together to make child care more accessible and affordable would give Missouri families much needed financial relief, help businesses retain and attract great employees, and foster Missouri’s economic growth.” 

The Second Regular Session of the 102nd General Assembly will begin on Jan. 3.

For more information about Sen. Razer and his sponsored legislation, visit senate.mo.gov/Razer.