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HB 1350

Modernizing reimbursement rates for the working connections child care program.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Emily Alvarado and 17 co-sponsors

HB 1350 increases reimbursement rates for child care providers in Washington's Working Connections program to improve provider sustainability and family access.

First reading, referred to Appropriations.
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Bill Summary · HB 1350

Legislative bill overview

HB 1350 updates reimbursement rates paid to child care providers under Washington's Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) program, which subsidizes child care costs for low-income working families. The bill aims to modernize these rates, presumably to reflect current market conditions and operating costs for child care facilities that have not kept pace with inflation or provider expenses.

Why is this important

Child care affordability and provider viability directly affect working families' economic participation and children's early development outcomes. If reimbursement rates remain stagnant, providers may exit the market, reduce quality, or close facilities—limiting access for eligible families and potentially forcing parents out of the workforce. Modernizing rates addresses both the supply-side crisis (provider sustainability) and demand-side needs (family access).

Potential points of contention

  • Budget impact: Rate increases require state appropriations; fiscal conservatives may question the cost during tight budget years, while advocates argue underfunding is more expensive long-term through lost workforce participation
  • Rate-setting methodology: Disagreement over whether increases should be tied to market rates, inflation indices, actual provider costs, or other benchmarks; different approaches yield different price tags
  • Program eligibility scope: Debates may emerge over which income levels qualify, whether all provider types (home-based vs. center-based) receive equal increases, and if changes prioritize access or affordability

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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