issue area reports | child care and early learning
Child Care and Early Learning
Amy Anderson : Child Care , Early Learning and Federal Issues
Amy Anderson leads AWB ’ s government affairs advocacy for child care , early learning and federal issues .
While child care remains a hot issue for Washington employers , there was not a lot of legislative action this session . Nonetheless , lawmakers strengthened the state ’ s struggling child care system through new funding and policy improvements . Several bills made changes and technical fixes to the Fair Start for Kids Act , Early Support for Infants and Toddlers program , and Working Connections Child Care program that will help increase child care access and affordability throughout the state , though much work remains to be done .
Other bills were missed opportunities . For the second session in a row , lawmakers failed to pass legislation that would have established a business and occupation tax credit for employers that provide child care assistance to employees . Another failed bill would have provided permanent funding for child care through the development of the children ’ s social equity land trust . Both bills are expected to be reintroduced in future sessions .
One of the biggest wins this session was the allocation of $ 27 million in the capital budget for the Early Learning Facilities ( ELF ) fund , which provides grants to construct new or renovate existing early learning centers . Legislators also lifted the cap on the amount a provider can receive .
AWB partnered with the Washington State Labor Council and Rep . Tana Senn , D-Mercer Island , to create a bipartisan , bicameral child care caucus made up of legislators representing all four caucuses . The group is committed to studying child care issues during the interim and developing policy recommendations that increase access to affordable , high-quality child care across Washington . Members of the caucus traveled to Canada over the summer to study the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care ( CWELCC ) system , which aims to provide $ 10-a-day child care across the nation .
Several studies , including a child care cost modeling study and updated economic impact report , will be released later this year . These studies will impact the development of child care legislation in upcoming sessions .
ESSB 6038 expanded b & o tax exemption for child care services
Passed / AWB Supported sponsor : Sen . Claire Wilson , D-Auburn
This bill expands the business and occupation tax exemption for providing child care services by extending the limit from children up to age 7 to children up to age 12 and children up to age 18 who have a verified special need or are under court supervision . This will reduce the costs associated with providing child care and help improve access and affordability . The bill passed the Senate and was amended in the House . The House passed the final bill 95-1 and the Senate 46-1 .
SHB 1916 esit funding adjustments
Passed / AWB Supported sponsor : Rep . Tana Senn , D-Mercer Island
Bill considered as part of AWB ’ s voting record
Favorable outcome for Washington businesses
Missed Opportunities
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