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It’s Open Enrollment Season. Do You Know What Your Child Care Options Are?

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — The United States spends less on child care than almost any other developed nation, leaving parents to foot most of the cost, which can put a significant strain on any family budget. But there are a few tax provisions out there that can help offset the rising costs of raising young children.

Published

5 months ago

November 25, 2025

Oakland Post

Dependent Care Benefits: Explained

By Brigid Schulte and Rebecca Gale

The United States spends less on child care than almost any other developed nation, leaving parents to foot most of the cost, which can put a significant strain on any family budget. But there are a few tax provisions out there that can help offset the rising costs of raising young children. Families just need to know about them. And when and how to apply.

And for many, a company’s Open Enrollment season every fall, which is currently underway, whereby employees can make decisions about their benefits for the calendar year 2026, gives families some of the best options. It can be confusing, financial advisors say. But one that they recommend families take a close look at is the Dependent Care Flexible Savings Account, especially since Congress voted last July to increase the benefit for the first time since 1986.

Now, parents can set aside as much as $7,500 in pre-tax dollars, which lowers a family’s total tax liability, to cover eligible child care expenses, including paying for nannies, pre-school, child care, after-school care, or summer camps. (Married couples filing separately can now set aside $3,750 each.) That’s up from the $5,000 per household limit set in 1986.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for families,” said Chris Woods, a financial planner in Charlotte, North Carolina, who assists many African American families in building wealth and financial stability. “The higher dollar amount still isn’t enough. With the high cost of child care in this country, $7,500 is a drop in the bucket. But for families who have this available to them, it’s a tremendous benefit that everyone can take advantage of.”

Child care costs rose, on average, by 29 percent from 2020 to 2024, according to Child Care Aware of America, which tracks child care costs in annual surveys. For those earning the median family income—about $83,000—child care can consume 10 percent of a married couple’s income and 35 percent for a single parent. In most states, infant care at child care centers costs more than rent, mortgage, or in-state college tuition.

The lack of affordable care is pushing many parents out of the workforce, which costs the economy an estimated $122 billion a year in lost earnings, productivity, and tax revenue. In 2025 alone, about 450,000 women were forced out of the workforce, and the lack of both flexible work and affordable child care played critical roles, analysts say.

As a result of this deepening child care crisis, a bipartisan group of lawmakers, led by Sens. Katie Britt, R-Alabama, and Tim Kaine, D-Virginia, pushed to expand these tax benefits as part of the major federal legislation that made sweeping changes to tax law, social programs, and government spending that was signed into law in July.

Woods brings up three important considerations for families: First, not all companies offer Dependent Care FSAs, so Woods suggests people check with their company’s benefits plans. And the share who do has been declining, from 65 percent of employers in 2021 to 54 percent in 2025, according to Society of Human Resource Management surveys. “I wish more people had access than they do,” Woods said.

Second, the Dependent Care FSA is a “use it or lose it” benefit. Unlike Health Care Savings Accounts, which can roll over into the following year, families have to make sure they’ll spend the entire amount set aside for child care by the end of the year.

And finally, the Dependent Care FSA is available to all employees, regardless of income level, unlike another tax benefit, the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, which families would claim when filing their taxes. The CDCTC has strict income limits.

Congress also voted in July to expand the amount of child care expenses that working parents can claim on their annual taxes, lowering their overall tax burden while helping families cover child care costs. Now, working parents can claim up to $6,000 for two children, $3,000 for one child, to use toward the costs of a registered child care or child care provider for a child under the age of 13. (Families can also use the tax credit to cover care costs for dependents who can’t care for themselves.) Families will then receive a percentage back as a tax credit, based on a sliding scale. Families with the lowest incomes will now receive a maximum 50 percent credit. Before the new law, it had been 35 percent.

All parents must be working, though. A family with a stay-at-home parent, even if they utilize some child care, is not eligible, though exceptions exist for parents who are students or parents who are disabled and cannot work.

Because this credit is nonrefundable – meaning that families cannot take advantage of it unless they pay a higher amount in taxes than they would receive in the benefit- it is limited in terms of people being able to utilize it. Almost all the families that do take advantage of this credit are middle to high income. The First Five Years Fund estimates that the new law will increase tax credits for nearly four million families, including dual-income households earning up to $206,000 and single-income households earning up to $103,000.

To Woods, the newly expanded Dependent Care FSA is the best option for most families. “I think that’s going to be the better way to go,” he said. However, for those whose employers don’t offer it, he suggests exploring the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.

For those who may seek to use both tax credits, Woods cautions that families have to be careful to show they aren’t double-dipping. “You cannot claim the same child care expenses with the FSA and the CDCTC,” he said.

Congress also voted to increase the non-refundable Child Tax Credit from $2,000 per child to $2,200 per child for dual-income married households earning up to $400,000 and single-parent families earning up to $200,000.

The increase, however, is far lower than the pandemic-era expansion in 2021 ($3,600 per child under six and $3,000 for children six to 17). Because it was fully refundable and paid out monthly rather than in one annual lump sum, the expansion benefitted many single parents and low-income families who typically don’t qualify for the tax credit, lifted 3 million children out of poverty, and brought child poverty to historic lows.

Some lawmakers, both Democratic and Republican, including Vice President JD Vance, have proposed legislation to expand the Child Tax Credit, and some proposals would make it fully refundable, so it would be available to more families with lower earnings.

“Child care is an ongoing concern for families,” said Woods. “There aren’t a ton of benefits available. So, whenever people can, try to take advantage of them. If they can afford to do so, try to max them out.”

Brigid Schulte is an award-winning journalist, author, and director of the Better Life Lab at New America. Rebecca Gale is a staff writer at the Better Life Lab at New America.

Oakland Post

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The hidden risks of poor water management in residential properties

Poor water management in residential properties can result in structural damage, health risks, and long-term financial strain. Water is the most important resource for any country, and having access to clean drinking water should be a right that needs to be preserved. Unfortunately, we are noticing a trend in the US right now where poor water […]

Published

3 days ago

April 17, 2026

admin

Poor water management in residential properties can result in structural damage, health risks, and long-term financial strain.

Water is the most important resource for any country, and having access to clean drinking water should be a right that needs to be preserved. Unfortunately, we are noticing a trend in the US right now where poor water management in residential properties is becoming more common.

It’s not even just access to water that gets affected when residential water management isn’t made a priority. It can result in issues with major leaks and flooding events, which affect the health and safety of residents.

Gradual Structural Damage

The worst thing about flooding or water leaks is the gradual structural damage that real estate investors have to deal with. Water can seep into materials like:

Wood
Drywall
Concrete

It can do so over time, drop by drop, and eventually cause significant damage to these structures.

A slow leak behind a wall or under a floor may go unnoticed for months, gradually compromising the integrity of the structure. Over time, this can lead to:

Warped floors
Cracked foundations
Weakened support beams

If you aren’t interested in spending hundreds or thousands of dollars to repair your residential properties, then it’s important to focus on water management in your annual plan.

Mold and Indoor Air Quality Issues

Excess moisture creates the perfect growing environment for mold. Within 24 to 48 hours, mold can start developing in damp conditions, and it often does so in hidden places like:

Behind walls
Under carpets
Poorly ventilated areas

Mold is a health hazard, especially for the very young and very old, and those who have a compromised immune system. Indoor air quality starts degrading very fast when mold growth happens, which can result in allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions.

Addressing mold problems can be both complicated and expensive, often requiring professional remediation to fully eliminate the issue.

Increased Utility Costs

If you notice that your utility bills have gone up in recent weeks or months, without any corresponding difference in tenants or temperature, it could be due to a water leak. Malfunctioning fixtures can also cause an increase in utility costs.

Even small, continuous leaks can add up to substantial water loss, making regular inspections and maintenance essential. That’s why paying attention to water management is so crucial for any real estate investor.

Foundation and Drainage Problems

Proper drainage is crucial to protecting a home’s foundation. Water needs to be directed away from the property, and if not done so, then it can accumulate around the base of a structure. This can lead to soil erosion, foundation cracks, and even basement flooding.

Clogged gutters, improper grading, and inadequate drainage systems are common contributors to these issues. All of these have to be addressed to prevent long-term damage to your foundation and prevent expensive repair bills that eat away at your budget.

Professional eavestrough installers are necessary to ensure rainwater stays away from your foundation and moves away from the property properly.

Pest Infestations

No homeowner or investor wants pests in their residential properties. It’s not good for the health of the residents, nor is it good for the reputation of the properties in attracting future tenants.

Moist environments often attract pests such as:

Termites
Rodents
Insects

Standing water or damp areas provide ideal conditions for these unwanted guests to thrive.

Once pests are established in your property, they will start causing further damage by eating away at certain structures. To get rid of them requires expensive pest control services and takes time.

Insurance and Financial Implications

Even though insurance does cover certain types of water damage, it doesn’t cover all forms of water damage, and thus, you might end up paying out of pocket in certain cases.

Damage resulting from neglect or lack of maintenance is often excluded from coverage. That’s why it’s so important to apply water management strategies to all of your residential properties.

If you wish to sell your property later, then it’s important to be very cognizant of water damage, as buyers will conduct inspections that could alert them to such water damage and prevent your home from selling in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Some Preventive Measures for Water Management?

There are many home safety tips you can follow to ensure your home stays safe from water damage.

Regularly inspecting plumbing systems, cleaning gutters, and ensuring proper drainage can help identify problems early. Installing moisture detectors, maintaining appliances, and addressing leaks promptly are also effective strategies.

You can also hire a water damage specialist and have them take a look at your home to ensure nothing untoward is going on, especially if you notice a major change in your utility bills.

How Does Water Damage Interior Spaces?

Water damage can occur without the home dwellers noticing it. In some cases, the water damage to interior spaces is very apparent, as when the ceilings start sagging or the walls and ceilings develop water stains.

You might also notice the floors rotting or warping.

In addition to structural concerns, water damage can ruin personal belongings such as:

Furniture
Electronics
Important documents

The emotional and financial cost of replacing these items can be significant.

Nothing good comes out of water damage, but it’s highly preventable if you only take the steps mentioned above. Do not become lazy or complacent in this situation. It could be the difference between saving hundreds of dollars in water damage bills and not.

Protect Yourself From the Risks of Water Damage

Not everyone places such a priority on water management, and that’s a shame. It’s truly when you are dealing with water damage that you regret this decision.

Residential water management can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in bills in the future. It’s worth the time and resources you place upon it.

By staying vigilant and adopting proactive maintenance habits, homeowners can protect their properties and protect their investment from degrading into a money-sucking pile of stones.

Please check out related articles on our website for more interesting articles on a wide variety of subjects.

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Black Micro-Schools Deserve Recognition: NABML Creates National Standards and Resources

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE: Black families are the fastest-growing demographic in alternative education. Discover how the National Association of Black Micro School Leaders is providing educators with resources, training, and certification to launch thriving microschools.

Published

4 days ago

April 16, 2026

Oakland Post

by Dawn Montgomery
BlackPressUSA Contributor

Public school advocates and politicians typically spearhead the attack on microschools, focusing on their perceived “lack of oversight and public accountability.” Yet Black families are the fastest-growing demographic in alternative education. This shift is driven by the recognition that traditional public education cannot change quickly enough to serve its children’s needs. The National Association of Black Micro-School Leaders is an organization working to counter this narrative and fill a critical gap. Nicole Stewart, the founder, told The Carolinian that “Black families are the fastest-growing group in alternative education, but Black microschool founders have had no national home, no unified voice, no shared resources, and no collective power.”

Nicole Stewart, a former educator with nearly 20 years of experience in public education, retired to start her education consulting company and later opened her own school. That experience led her to discover microschools. Stewart advocates for a balance between joy and rigor in education, designing learning experiences that honor identity, strength, and purpose. She understands that microschools can be tailored to address the specific needs of the families and communities they serve.

The oversight criticism is legitimate. This concern is precisely why NABML is establishing the national benchmark for community-led education. NABML’s certification is that seal of approval, signaling to families, funders, and policymakers that a school is not merely functioning but is outstanding. Additionally, the organization emphasizes the importance of legal structures, fiscal stewardship frameworks, and community involvement as foundational to sustainability and accountability.

NABML realizes this vision via four main support systems:

Community Design Day: NABML facilitates a process in which the neighborhood tells us what its children deserve. You get to explore new learning approaches and define educational priorities for your community. A community task force is then formed to implement these ideas, and NABML supports you along the way. This creates a space where you can be a part of the process as a founding member of a microschool.

Founders Launch Lab: This professional development experience equips Black microschool founders and educational leaders with the training, operational, and strategic skills to launch and sustain thriving schools. Participants gain the business acumen and pedagogical frameworks necessary to navigate the transition from traditional educator roles to entrepreneurial school leaders.

Membership (The Vault): Members gain instant, 24/7 access to proprietary legal templates, student handbook builders, fiscal stewardship frameworks, and zoning blueprints designed specifically for the microschool model. They also join a curated community of mission-aligned founders through monthly “Brilliance Circles” and a private digital forum. Membership unlocks the NABML Fund, a curated capital pool designed specifically for the network, removing a major barrier to school launch and sustainability.

Certification: This is the seal of approval that tells families, funders, and policymakers that your school isn’t just operating; it is also excelling. NABML is currently developing the national benchmark for community-led education, making sure that certified schools meet rigorous standards for student outcomes, community engagement, and fiscal responsibility.

Whether you’re a parent seeking educational alternatives, an educator ready to launch a microschool, or a policymaker committed to expanding equitable education options, NABML invites you to be part of this transformation.

Ready to start or support a microschool? Visit https://nabml.org/ to learn more, access resources, or join the Founders Launch Lab.

Want to invest in Black educational futures? Make a donation at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/naobml/ to support founders in building schools that serve their communities.

Every microschool launched is a community transformed. Every founder supported is a generation of Black children empowered to thrive.

Oakland Post

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IN MEMORIAM: Rest in Power — Minnesota Loses a True Warrior in Yusef Mgeni

MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN RECORDER — Yusef Mgeni, a brilliant historian, community organizer, former St. Paul educator and fierce advocate for Black people, died on April 7, 2026, leaving behind a legacy that will echo through generations of Black Minnesota history and community building.

Published

5 days ago

April 15, 2026

admin

By MSR News Online

Minnesota and the world lost a powerful voice and a true warrior on April 7, 2026. Yusef Mgeni is gone, but his legacy will echo for generations.

Yusef was a brilliant historian, a community organizer, a former St. Paul educator, and a fierce advocate for Black people. He carried with him an extraordinary archive of speeches, books, articles, and photographs documenting the work of countless Black scholars and leaders. His knowledge was not just deep. It was generational. Talk to him about any subject concerning Black history, and he would give you a dissertation.

His roots in this community ran deeper than most people knew. Yusef was the grandnephew of Fredrick McGhee, the pioneering 20th-century civil rights activist and attorney who made his mark in St. Paul at the turn of the century. That lineage was not lost on Yusef. He carried it forward with pride and purpose, spending decades making sure the stories of Black Minnesotans were told, preserved, and passed on.

As a journalist, Yusef called NAACP leaders and community figures to identify the issues that mattered most to Black people and wrote about them in local newspapers. He was a contributor to the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, a platform he understood and respected deeply. As a former St. Paul NAACP vice president, he remained active and engaged well into his retirement, answering emails and voicemails for residents who were at their wits’ end, helping them navigate evictions, legal challenges, and systemic barriers.

“Generally, they contact us when they are at their wits’ end,” he once said. “They are going to get evicted; their car is getting repossessed. We assist in navigating the system.”

His work was always about access. Under his leadership and alongside other NAACP leaders, the St. Paul chapter helped establish a landmark covenant between the police and the St. Paul community in 2001, a model that contributed to dramatically lower excessive-force costs than in Minneapolis in the decade that followed.

Yusef was also a passionate champion of ethnic studies in Minnesota’s schools, understanding that education rooted in Black and Brown history was not a supplement to American history but central to it.

“Ethnic studies is also American history,” he said. “The fact that the legislature and the MDE have both endorsed ethnic studies requirements in schools is a real plus for giving people the opportunity to explore and learn more about American history, and more importantly, to see themselves reflected in that learning.”

In the 1970s and ’80s, Yusef worked alongside Mrs. Clarissa Walker at the Sabathani Community Center, where they poured their energy into uplifting and empowering the community. Their work helped shape the cultural and political landscape of South Minneapolis during a critical era. They were part of a generation that built institutions, nurtured young people, and fought for justice with unwavering commitment.

Yusef also played a key role in the early development of KMOJ Radio, helping to establish a platform that amplified Black voices long before it was common or convenient. His activism extended through education, the St. Paul NAACP, the Million Man March, and the Urban Coalition, always rooted in a deep and abiding love for his people.

He was also an interviewee in the Rondo neighborhood oral history project preserved by the Minnesota Historical Society, ensuring that the voices and stories of that community would never be lost.

Not long ago, a colleague was blessed to sit with Yusef at his home, where he reflected on his life and his legacy. He talked about his work in education, his activism, and his years of service to the community. But what stood out just as much was how he spoke about his family and his people, with warmth, with pride, and with purpose.

Today, we honor him not only for what he accomplished but for the spirit with which he did it.

A scholar. A builder. A warrior. A keeper of our stories.

Thank you, Yusef, for everything you gave and everything you sacrificed on behalf of Black people. Your legacy stands tall, and our community is better because of you.

Rest in Power, Yusef Mgeni.