Child care affordability remains a major workforce issue for employers and working parents, affecting workforce participation, attendance and retention across Ohio. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted recently highlighted child care provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act that expand tax tools aimed at easing those costs. These include increasing the dependent care FSA limit from $5,000 to $7,500, expanding the child and dependent care tax credit, and enhancing the employer-provided child care credit for businesses that help offer child care support.

Reliable child care helps parents stay attached to the workforce, making this a practical business issue as much as a family issue.

“Child care is a workforce issue, and manufacturers feel it when reliable care is out of reach for working parents,” said Lindsey Short, OMA managing director of energy and advocacy services. “Policies that give families and employers more flexibility can help reduce absenteeism, improve retention and support a stronger workforce.” 4/29/2026