SAN ANTONIO — Qualified childcare facilities will now be get some relief when it comes to city property taxes.
This comes after the San Antonio City Council passed an ordinance this morning giving a full city property tax exemption to these businesses.
“We have a crisis for child care center,” said Councilman John Courage, San Antonio District 9.
City Council voted unanimously to pass the ordinance.
“Because of what we've done now, about 180-plus child care centers, are eligible to go ahead and get this tax exemption,” said Councilman Courage.
During the last legislative session, Senate Bill 1145 was passed by Texas voters, authorizing counties and municipalities to give property tax exemptions for qualified childcare facilities. The tax exemptions can range between 50% to 100%.
Many childcare facilities have been struggling since the pandemic. According to the Children At Risk organization, from March 2020 to September 2021, Texas lost 21% of childcare providers.
To qualify for the exemption, childcare facilities must receive state funds from low income families, and 20% or more of the children in their care must qualify for that funding. Qualified childcare facilities must also participate in the Texas Rising Star Program, which bases funding on quality of care.
“The cost of childcare is high, and it's difficult for the average family to afford. My hope is that these savings can be passed on to working families,” said Councilwoman Maria Alderete-Gavito, District 7.
Some addressing city council said this is a small piece of what can be done.
“The availability of quality, affordable childcare supports the expansion of our local workforce, and grows our region's economy,” said Kate Ferrier.
Councilwoman Adriana Rocha-Garcia says affordable childcare can encourage women to enter the work field.
"Women are the ones that benefit most from this because as the caretakers, many times they are left to care for the child and might put off their jobs, or their career advancement for some time,” said Councilwoman Rocha-Garcia.
Qualified childcare facilities must apply before a May deadline to receive the tax exemption, and this does not include county taxes. The law also does not allow for home childcare facilities to receive the tax exemption.