OLYMPIA - Children and parents who rely on Working Connections Child Care will enjoy increased stability, thanks to legislation passed today by the Washington State Senate.

Until now, state-subsidized child care has required a six-month re-authorization period. Senate Bill 6226 extends the period by an additional six months, improving stability for children and reliability for parents who rely on the care.

“This is a good bill and a good policy change. Moving to a 12-month period benefits the families and the state,” said Sen. David Frockt, D-Seattle, the bill’s sponsor. “A comparison study by Washington State University clearly demonstrated that the parents in the 12-month period saw a positive impact on their child’s development and saved the state hundreds of dollars per family.”

If a change in a family’s circumstances occurs, families will be required to re-apply for Working Connections. In addition, Frockt said the bill requires that families report household information, including income and employment information, to guard against fraud and abuse.

The bill will next be considered by the House of Representatives.

# # #

For more information: Ian Cope, Senate Democratic Caucus Communications, 360-786-7535

For interviews: Sen David Frockt, 360-786-7690