Bill > HB1350

This bill aims to modernize the reimbursement rates for the Working Connections Child Care program by establishing a more comprehensive and equitable approach to setting child care subsidy rates. The legislation recognizes the current challenges in the child care system, including difficulties for families finding and affording child care and low wages for child care workers. The bill builds upon the 2021 Fair Start for Kids Act by introducing a new "cost of quality child care rate model" that will set subsidy rates based on a more holistic view of child care expenses. Specifically, the bill requires that base reimbursement rates consider fixed costs such as living wage scales for staff, employee benefits, family engagement activities, professional development, educational materials, and planning time. The rates must, at a minimum, continue to meet the 85th percentile of market rates and will be reviewed every three years to support special populations like infant care, nonstandard hours, and children with special needs. The underlying goal is to create a more sustainable child care infrastructure that supports both working families and child care providers by ensuring more accurate and comprehensive compensation for the essential work of child care.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1350&Year=2025&Initiative=false