Legislative Tracker

This bill doubles the maximum amount that an individual may claim as a federal tax credit for qualified child and dependent care expenses and increases the maximum amount an employer may claim as a federal business tax credit for providing certain child care services to employees.

Under the bill, the annual maximum amount allowed for the child and dependent care tax credit is increased to $6,000 (from $3,000) for individuals with one qualifying child or dependent, or to $12,000 (from $6,000) for individuals with two or more qualifying children or dependents. (Under current law, an individual may claim a nonrefundable tax credit for a portion of qualified child and dependent care expenses paid so that the individual or the individual’s spouse can work or look for work.)

Further, the bill increases to $400,000 (from $150,000) the annual maximum amount that an employer may claim as a tax credit for providing certain child care services to employees. (Under current law, an employer may claim a nonrefundable business tax credit for a percentage of qualified child care facility expenses and child care referral and resource expenses.)

Faster Labor Contracts Act

This bill establishes mandatory deadlines for parties negotiating an initial collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and provides for mediation and arbitration to finalize CBAs.

Under the bill, CBA negotiations must begin within 10 days after an employer receives a written request from a newly recognized or certified bargaining representative. The bill provides that parties must make every reasonable effort to conclude and sign a CBA. Further, the bill provides that, if the parties have not reached an agreement after 90 days, either party may request mediation by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS). The bill directs FMCS to use its best efforts to secure an agreement.

If mediation does not result in an agreement within 30 days (or an additional period agreed to by both parties), FMSC must refer the parties to an arbitration panel to render a decision settling the dispute. The panel must consider specified factors, including the employer's financial prospects and employees' cost of living. The resulting CBA is binding on the parties for two years. (Parties may agree to amend the terms during the two-year period.)

The bill specifies that (1) an employer must maintain current wages, hours, terms, and conditions of employment during negotiations; and (2) an employer's duty to collectively bargain continues even if a representative has been decertified. 

The Government Accountability Office must report to Congress regarding the average number of days between the certification or recognition of a bargaining representative and the date the initial CBA was executed.