Burt Jones, Lieutenant Governor of Georgia, announced on social media platform X that a newly signed law will alleviate childcare costs for families and encourage employer participation in childcare programs.
“Lt. Governor Jones Priority Signed into Law: Child Tax Credit and Childcare Tax Programs,” said Jones. “This legislation being signed into law ensures that Georgia’s families have access to affordable and quality childcare. While encouraging more businesses to offer childcare.”
In May 2025, Georgia enacted House Bill 136, which establishes a $250 tax credit per child under the age of six and increases the state match for the federal child and dependent care tax credit from 30% to 50%. According to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, this legislation is designed to reduce financial strain on families and incentivize employer-based childcare support. The initiative aims to enhance workforce participation by making childcare more affordable.
According to WRDW News and data from the Economic Policy Institute, average annual childcare costs in Georgia are $8,530 for infants and $7,306 for 4-year-olds—figures that surpass in-state college tuition. These high costs impose a significant burden on working families, highlighting the necessity of tax credits and incentives to improve access and affordability.
States offering childcare tax incentives have experienced increases in employer participation in family support programs. EdSurge reports that Michigan and Iowa saw growth in employer-sponsored childcare benefits after implementing such incentives, including on-site care and financial subsidies. These programs assist employers in retaining workers while supporting families with their childcare needs.
Jones, Georgia’s 13th Lieutenant Governor who assumed office in 2023 after serving as a Republican State Senator, has prioritized pro-business legislation, education reform, and family-focused tax relief according to his official biography. His support for HB 136 aligns with his broader agenda of enhancing economic opportunity through conservative fiscal policy.
