Governor Ayotte Celebrates New Childcare Tax Credit Program

CONCORD, NH - Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte highlighted a new opportunity to expand access to childcare in New Hampshire with a ceremonial bill signing of House Bill 1433, which creates the NH Child Day Care Creation Tax Credit, incentivizing companies to invest in childcare for their workforce.

"Expanding access to childcare is a critical part of our efforts to ensure New Hampshire remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family," said Governor Ayotte. "With this new childcare tax credit program, we're encouraging our business community to be part of the solution to this pressing economic challenge in our state. I thank members of the House and Senate from both parties who came together to make this a reality for Granite State families. By bringing everyone to the table, we'll ensure working parents can access the childcare they need and keep New Hampshire a beacon of economic opportunity."

The new program, which begins in January of 2027, will give companies up to a 50% credit against either the Business Profits Tax or Business Enterprise Tax for creating at least 12 new childcare slots or investing in an existing facility to create 12 slots.

Governor Ayotte was joined today by leaders and advocates from across the childcare sector and business community, as well as a bipartisan group of legislators, at The Granite YMCA's location in Manchester.

"Today's signing represents an important step toward addressing one of New Hampshire's most pressing workforce challenges," said Mike Skelton, President and CEO of the Business and Industry Association (BIA) of New Hampshire. "For too many families, finding affordable, accessible child care has become a barrier to participating fully in our economy, while employers across the state struggle to attract and retain talent. We applaud lawmakers and Governor Ayotte for advancing practical, bipartisan solutions that expand child care options, reduce unnecessary barriers, and support working families. While there is more work to be done, these reforms demonstrate what is possible when policymakers and the business community work together to strengthen New Hampshire's workforce and economic competitiveness.

"As one of New Hampshire's largest providers of early education and childcare services, The Granite YMCA knows that access to affordable, high-quality childcare is essential to supporting working families and strengthening our economy," said Michelle Sheppard, President and CEO of The Granite YMCA. "The passage of HB 1433 is an important step forward, giving businesses meaningful incentives to invest and partner in early education and childcare solutions that help employees remain and thrive in the New Hampshire workforce. We applaud policymakers for recognizing that childcare is not only a family issue-it is an economic imperative that benefits children, New Hampshire's workforce, employers, and our collective future."

"As a father and Mayor, I know how important access to affordable, high-quality child care is for families across New Hampshire," said Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais. "I want to thank Governor Ayotte, the members of the Legislature, and the many child care providers, advocates, employers, and stakeholders whose collaboration made HB 1433 possible. This legislation is an important step toward expanding access to affordable child care, supporting working families, and strengthening New Hampshire's workforce and economy."