Have you heard the great news?! Senate Bill 5225 passed in the Washington State Senate with a strong bipartisan vote. We’ve gotten this far because of the advocacy of families and MomsRising members like you - thank you!
What’s the big deal? SB 5225 could mean big things for families and providers across our state. SB 5225 would expand access to affordable child care in three ways:
- Provides free or $15/month child care for child care providers (with a household income up to 85% of the state median income) to ensure teachers can afford to stay in the classrooms families depend on for care
- Expands access to Working Connections Child Care assistance program for all children, regardless of immigration status
- Grants access to subsidized child care for parents who have participated in specialty or therapeutic courts in the last six months
At the heart of the child care crisis are child care providers - without whom child care cannot exist. But for years the early learning educator workforce has been shrinking. Why? These educators who care for our children are among the lowest paid workers in Washington. Pet groomers earn more than early learning educators. This is unacceptable and shameful.
I know this story first-hand. After dedicating 15 years to early childhood education, I left a field I loved because it wasn't sustainable for my family. When my husband and I welcomed our first son, my wages weren't enough to cover the cost of child care - even with a discount from my employer.
That's why we need to thank our State Senators for passing this important bill and urge our State Representatives in the House to do the same! This bill will ensure early childhood educators can stay in the workforce and afford care for their own families. Take action with us now!
This is a HUGE step towards many more structural investments that will benefit our early learners and childcare providers in Washington State.
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