COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Gov. Mike DeWine is championing a tax credit that would give families up to $1,000 per child under the age of seven. As part of the State of the State address DeWine gave March 12, the governor said Ohioans, especially young parents, are facing financial constraints. To h elp, DeWine proposed a child tax credit that could be used for childcare, healthcare, groceries, diapers, rent or any other necessary costs. See previous coverage of the State of the State address in the video player above. Ohio State under federal investigation, accused of ‘race-exclusionary practices’ According to DeWine’s proposed budget, families could get up to $1,000. The credit will be calculated as 5% of a taxpayer’s income above a modest income threshold up to the maximum $1,000.  "It will help them create the family of their dreams and it will help Ohio get more parents onto our workforce team," DeWine said. The credit is intended to help families in need, so there are limits to credit eligibility. Married joint filers must make a combined income of $94,000 per year or less, and married separate filers must make $56,500 or less. For single filers, the credit is available for those whose income does not exceed $69,000. According to DeWine’s budget, the program would cost the state an estimated $450 million in fiscal year 2026 and $440 million the next fiscal year. This proposal is also included in the current version of House Bill 96, the biennial state budget. Seven items in DeWine’s proposed Ohio budget you may not know about State Democrats reintroduced the Thriving Families Tax Credit bill in early March, which would mirror DeWine’s proposal, with slight adjustments. Under this bill, put forth by State Reps. Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) and Crystal Lett (D-Columbus), families would receive up to $1,000 for kids ages five and under, and then up to $500 per child for those aged six to 17. Any family making less than $65,000 annually would qualify for the full amount, with reduced benefits for families earning between $65,000 and $85,000 annually. Lett and McNally estimated 1.8 million Ohio children would benefit from the plan. The bill was referred to the House Ways and Means Committee and is awaiting further action.  Many state Democrats were critical of much of DeWine’s State of the State address, but the child tax credit was largely respected by Democrats. Multiple state Democrats applauded the tax credit idea, ranging from calling it a "good start" to outright appreciation. ...read more read less