A growing number of cities are passing tax increases to expand access to child care. Last year, New Orleans added more than 1,000 child care seats for low-income families after voters approved a historic property tax increase. In Whatcom County, Washington, a property tax increase added $10 million for child care and children’s mental health to the annual budget. A marijuana sales tax approved last year by voters in Anchorage, Alaska, will generate more than $5 million for early childhood programs. One reason for the trend: People saw the economic impact of a lack of child care during the pandemic — a crisis that continues for some families.
