Bill > SB5788

This bill aims to achieve budget savings by modifying several existing policies related to early learning, child care, and assistance programs. The bill makes changes to the early childhood education and assistance program by removing previously planned phased implementation language, effectively eliminating the requirement to fully implement the program by the 2026-27 school year. It also modifies the working connections child care program by removing previously planned expansions of income eligibility thresholds for families (originally scheduled for July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2027), which would have gradually increased income limits to 75% and then 85% of the state median income. Additionally, the bill amends the aged, blind, or disabled assistance program, changing how supplemental security income overlaps with state assistance benefits. The bill repeals several existing statutes related to child care subsidy rates and income eligibility, and includes an emergency clause that makes the changes effective July 1, 2025. The overall intent appears to be reducing projected state spending by halting planned expansions of social support programs.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5788&Year=2025&Initiative=false