Families in Ohio may get some relief when it comes to the cost of childcare thanks to legislation that is being drafted in the Ohio statehouse.

It includes a new "tri-share" program aimed at lowering the cost of child care for Ohio families making up to 300% of the federal poverty line. That would mean a family of four making under $93,600 may qualify.

"It's one third funded by the state of Ohio, one third by the employer, and one third paid by the participant." GOP State Rep. Mark Johnson of Chillicothe told 21 News. 

The program would be available for employers who enroll in the program. Johnson said it would not only make day care affordable for families, but would also help employers who are facing staff shortages across Ohio.

According to lawmakers some parents are opting to stay home with their child because they cannot afford to send them to daycare. 

"There will be some employers that will resist and not want to participate and there will be others that do. Especially those that are having workforce issues,"  Johnson said. 

State Rep. of Youngstown Lauren McNally said that on the surface the bill seems beneficial to families and the workforce, but it misses the mark on acknowledging the  shortage of day care staff and capacity levels.

"We can continue to make child care affordable but if there is no place for the child to go and there is no one to actually provide that care, what is the point?" McNally said. 

Johnson said the bill is still being finalized and further developed.