Scholten, James Introduce New Bipartisan Legislation To Slash The Cost Of Child Care

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representatives Hillary Scholten and John James have introduced new, bipartisan legislation to create a pilot Tri-Share Child Care Program. Under the program, the cost of a caregiver's child care would be shared between the caregiver, their employer, and the state and federal governments. The Tri-Share program is an innovative new approach to tackling a key contributor to the affordability crisis-childcare. In any state or municipality with an existing Tri-Share program, the federal pilot program would provide additional financial support to ensure its success.

"American families are suffocating under the crushing costs of childcare," said Rep. Scholten. "When I was a working mom with two kids in daycare, I remember what it was like to feel like I was paying for the privilege of working. We can change that, and Tri-Share offers a great opportunity to put money back in working families' pockets, help families pursue their careers, and grow our economy too."

"As a father of young kids, childcare affordability is a top priority for me," said Rep. John James. "Michiganders are struggling to get ahead, and skyrocketing childcare costs are pushing the American Dream further out of reach. In Michigan, infant care averages $9,044 a year in family care settings and $12,667 in center-based care-often one of a household's biggest expenses. We cannot address Michigan's population losses or labor shortages without tackling childcare. Failing to fix this crisis only exacerbates the wealth gap and makes it harder for young families to build a future here. That's why addressing childcare affordability for Michigan families is one of my highest priorities, and why I'm excited to co-lead this bipartisan solution with Rep. Scholten."

Child care is unaffordable across the country. Since 1990, child care expenses have more than tripled, and in 38 states and Washington, D.C., child care costs more than public college tuition. Parents pay a median of $800 a month, or a median of up to $1,100 for parents who need 20 hours or more of care a week. These astronomical costs harm working families; child care expenses push approximately 134,000 families into poverty each year.

The Tri-Share Child Care Pilot Act of 2025 would allocate $250 million a year for three years to create a pilot Tri-Share program beginning the year after enactment of the legislation. Parents will be eligible if they:

1. Are employed by an employer participating in the program. Individual states would be responsible for coordinating and soliciting employer enrollment

2. Make under 500% of the federal poverty level

3. Have a child who is under the age of mandatory schooling.

This bill uses the existing Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) to set the federal government's share of the government's third. This ensures every state receives need-based support to make child care more affordable for families across the country.

The Tri-Share program has been successfully piloted at the state level in several different states including Michigan, North Carolina, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Connecticut, North Dakota, and Missouri. The results have been incredible. In Michigan, the Tri-Share program has seen tremendous success:

• 82% of participating families said that Tri-Share helped them to stay in the workforce.

• 81% of participating families reported that Tri-Share supported their long-term career goals.

• 71% of participating employers say Tri-Share has helped them retain employees.

• 80% of participating employers anticipate that Tri-Share will be a critical recruitment tool moving forward.

• Over half of employers (55%) participating in Tri-Share qualify as small or micro businesses.

• 57% of child care providers reported improved financial stability, helping to maintain local child care slots so that parents can continue working.

"Making childcare more accessible and affordable is a priority for the business community. Michigan's Tri-Share program has become a nationally recognized innovation for supporting working families, and we're proud that the Grand Rapids Chamber played a leading role in bringing it to life," said Andy Johnston, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at the Grand Rapids Chamber. "Congresswoman Scholten's effort to federalize Tri-Share is a meaningful step forward. This model, born in Michigan, shows what's possible when business, government, and community come together, and we're thrilled to see it advancing on the national stage."

"High-quality child care supports healthy brain development. When we invest in child care, we strengthen families today and build a more skilled, productive workforce for tomorrow. Across our state, parents, early childhood professionals, and business leaders are coming together to pursue innovative solutions to the child care crisis. We know there is no single fix-it requires a multi-tiered approach. This promising solution, championed in partnership with Congresswoman Scholten, is an innovative model that puts children first while easing the financial burden on families and helping employers invest in their workforce," said Jennifer Headley-Nordman, President of First Steps Kent.

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