Educator Tax Credit Explained

Colorado is currently facing an early childhood worker shortage. The increased demand for educators, issues with workforce retention, and the compounding effects of the pandemic have only exacerbated the sector’s high turnover rate. House Bill 22-1010, the Early Childhood Educator Income Tax Credit, hopes to change this. If passed, this bipartisan bill would establish a fully refundable tax credit that would place money directly in the pockets of early childhood educators. The challenges occurring in the child care sector not only impact the early childhood workforce, but the Colorado families dependent on their support as well. Therefore, it is essential that our legislature develop equitable solutions to improve the lives of those who work to provide high-quality care to our youngest Coloradans.  

The West Steps returns this week with an episode focused on the issues faced by the early childhood educator workforce. We are joined by Bill Jaeger, Vice President for Early Childhood and Policy Initiatives at the Colorado Children’s Campaign; and Elisha Stewart, Supervisor for the Inclusive Early Educator Program at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Bill and Alicia share their insight on the current state of our child care workforce, and how HB 22-1010 hopes to change it. They also delve into the impacts that similar legislation has had in other states. While HB22-1010 won’t entirely resolve the challenges faced by early childhood educators, providing the workforce with the foundational income they need to feel more supported is one step toward improving the child care landscape in Colorado for all of those who depend on it.  

The first House Committee on Education hearing for HB22-1010 takes place Feb. 2 at 10 a.m. We encourage you to contact your legislator and advocate for the passage of this bill. You can stay updated on HB 22-1010's journey through the legislature by subscribing to KidsFlash and viewing our weekly Capitol Updates.