More than 200 advocates gathered in Montgomery last week to urge the state Legislature to address public policy concerns and opportunities for child care in Alabama.

Alabama has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, but it also has one of the lowest labor force participation rates in the nation. One of the main reasons why workers retire early is to remain at home to take care of their children.

Manufacturer Alabama, in partnership with the Alabama Women's Foundation, will advocate for state leaders to pass legislation that provides tax credits to businesses and individuals who engage in innovative childcare practices to help them get back to work. We've created a simpler, more affordable, and more accessible solution for you.

Melanie Bridgeforth is president and CEO of the Alabama Women's Foundation.

“This is an opportunity to bring together hundreds of women from every region of this great state to discuss the issues that matter most to Alabama's economy through the lens of how Alabama women feel.”Bridge Mr. Force said. “Child care will work, and Alabama will do well when it works for women.”

RELATED: Alabama national leaders strategize child care access at Women's Foundation annual research event

State Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) passed this bill in the past Congress and is championing the issue again in Congress.

“This year in Congress, we are committed to removing barriers to Alabamians entering the workforce and maximizing their potential, especially women,” Sen. Gudger told the audience. . “The best way for us to do that is to support parents, especially mothers. No one should have to choose between caring for a child and supporting a family. . It's time to invest in the industry that keeps Alabama functioning: child care.”

today, @RepLedbetter, @AnthonyDaniels and @GarlanGudger participate in Morimori This is to support the need for a child care tax credit because no Alabamian should have to choose between caring for a child and supporting a family. #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/9Oj9rDGgTs

— Leading Alabama (@LeadingAlabama) February 22, 2024

The bill appears to have broad bipartisan support, as well as support from House leadership.

“In 2022, 85,000 hard-working Alabama families will need access to child care, but their communities lack quality, affordable options,” said House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville). There wasn't.” “That’s what we plan to change this session.”

“This bill we are considering to address Alabama's child care shortage will expand access and opportunity for families across Alabama,” House Majority Leader Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville) said at the rally. Mothers and families in this state and country are forced to make decisions about whether to get a job and earn child support or stay home with their children. No one should have to choose between paying or staying home.”

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Sen. Gudger's 2023 bill would create an employer tax credit and a child care provider tax credit. “With the passage of this bill, Congress is committed to encouraging more Alabamians to enter the workforce and obtain employment by improving the quality and availability of child care options for working parents. This is the purpose of

Gudger's 2023 bill would allow employers to receive a tax credit of up to $2,000 per child if they provide five-star child care to their employees. The child care facility had a star rating system. A lower facility rating means fewer tax credits per child for employers.

The total state-wide tax credit was capped at just $15 million. The bill failed to advance out of committee. But since then, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and Speaker Ledbetter's leadership has made it difficult for Alabama employers to find workers, even though approximately 42 percent of Alabamians over the age of 16 are not working. I've focused more on why I'm struggling.

After studying the issue over the summer, state leaders appear ready to accept the plan they came together last week.

Tuesday marks the 10th day of the 2024 Alabama regular legislative session.

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