Rep. McDonald Rivet Highlights Childcare Tax Credit Bill in Saginaw Meeting
Bay City congresswoman proposes $5,500 annual tax credit for families earning under $100K with children age 3 and under.
SAGINAW, MICHIGAN — U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet hosted a roundtable discussion with three Saginaw parents Wednesday morning, highlighting the burden of childcare costs and promoting her federal tax credit proposal to provide relief for working families.
The Bay City Democrat outlined her legislation during the meeting at Jerome Preschool, which would provide financial assistance to families struggling with rising childcare expenses across Michigan.
Proposed Tax Credit Details
“What my proposal would do is give a tax credit to families with incomes of $100,000 or less, $5,500 for every child age 3 and under each year to help pay for those expenses,” McDonald Rivet explained to the gathered parents.
The three participating parents expressed support for the proposed relief measure. Toria Williams, who has one young son, said the tax credit would take a “weight off” her family.
Marcos Ponce, who has five children, said the additional funds would allow his family to put money away for savings and investments.
Local Childcare Cost Challenges
Williams shared that childcare would cost her approximately $600 per week if her son were not enrolled in a specialized preschool program through the Saginaw Independent School District.
Kaycee Cook, a mother of seven children, explained that after giving birth to twin daughters, it became more cost-efficient for her to leave the workforce and become a stay-at-home mother rather than pay childcare costs for both girls.
Cook noted that diapers and food represent the largest expenses for her family, with diaper costs alone reaching at least $40 per week. “Adds up really quickly,” she said, noting that three of her children currently require diapers.
Broader Economic Pressures
Beyond childcare expenses, Ponce and Williams discussed how rising living costs have created additional financial strain on their families. Both parents cited increasing utility bills and rent as factors that make it more difficult to provide for their children’s wants and needs.
The roundtable took place as families across Michigan continue to face escalating costs for essential services, with childcare representing one of the largest budget items for working parents with young children.
McDonald Rivet’s proposal joins ongoing federal discussions about addressing childcare affordability, as lawmakers seek solutions to help families manage expenses that often exceed mortgage or rent payments.
The representative’s visit to Saginaw reflects her continued focus on economic issues affecting working families in her congressional district, which includes Bay City and surrounding areas in mid-Michigan.
