St. Rep. jack Jordan highlights two pieces of legislation

The Indiana General Assembly passed two bills last week aimed at addressing the state's childcare challenges by incentivizing employer-sponsored programs and reducing barriers for home-based providers.

State Representative Jack Jordan (R-Bremen) highlighted the legislation's potential impact on working families struggling to find affordable, accessible childcare.

House Enrolled Act 1177 would expand the state's employer childcare tax credit for businesses that offer childcare options to their workers.

"The credit could be used to help pay for costs such as operating or contracting with a childcare facility, employee training, and higher wages for staff," Jordan explained.

The enhanced tax credit is designed to encourage more employers to provide on-site care, partner with existing facilities, or offer other childcare benefits to employees—particularly in areas where care options are limited.

The legislature also passed House Enrolled Act 1152, which aims to remove regulatory barriers for home-based childcare providers.

The bill seeks to ensure that family home day care remains a viable option for parents who prefer smaller, more personalized care settings for their children.

Both bills now head to the Governor's desk for final consideration. If signed into law, the measures would take effect this year.

The legislation represents the Republican majority's strategy to address Indiana's childcare shortage through private-sector incentives and regulatory reform rather than direct government funding of programs