Lt. Governor Burt Jones Applauds Senate Priority Passage: Child Tax Credit and Childcare Tax Programs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, February 19, 2025

ATLANTA | Today, Lt. Governor Burt Jones issued a statement in support of Senate Bill 89, a legislative priority, which passed the Georgia Senate with unanimous, bi-partisan support. Senate Bill 89, which creates a child tax credit and expands childcare tax programs, is sponsored by Senator Brian Strickland (R – McDonough).

“I want to thank members of the Senate for their unanimous, bipartisan support for Senate Bill 89,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “Helping families across Georgia with rising childcare costs is a priority I will not waver on this session. The passage of Senate Bill 89 is a great first step in our efforts to help families who are struggling to afford the cost of childcare, while also encouraging more businesses to offer childcare as an employee benefit. The Senate will continue to lead the way to take a strong stand to support our parents, children, and workforce. I look forward to the House taking action on this measure quickly.”

Senate Bill 89 is a result of work during the interim by the Senate Study Committee on Access to Affordable Childcare, appointed and prioritized by Lt. Governor Burt Jones. The current Georgia income tax credit for qualified child and dependent care expenses, based on a percentage of the federal credit allowed under Section 21 of the federal tax code, would be increased from the current 30 percent to 40 percent. A new Georgia Child Tax Credit, allowing taxpayers a credit of $250 per child under the age of 7, would be created. Additionally, Georgia’s employer-sponsored child care tax credit granted to an employer who sponsors or provides child care for employees, would be increased equal to 90% of the cost of operation to the employer (up from 75% under current law).

For the full language of Senate Bill 89, please follow this link: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69886