SENATE BILL REPORT

ESSB 6013

BYSenate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Kreidler and Wojahn)

Establishing the office of child care resources.

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 4, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6013 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Wojahn, Chairman; Stratton, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Deccio, Johnson, Kiskaddon, Kreidler, Tanner.

Senate Staff:Jean Soliz (786-7755)

                  April 15, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 16, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Although child care is licensed in the state, no central data bank exists to provide information about the availability of child care resources.  The number of women with young children in the workforce is expanding rapidly, creating a need for information about child care.  A need also exists for expansion of child care resources and for assistance to businesses wishing to benefit from adequate child care resources for their employees.

SUMMARY:

An office of child care resources is established within the Department of Social and Health Services under the Assistant Secretary for Children and Family Services.  The director is responsible for administration of federal grants to local communities for information and referral systems and for the creation of an information data bank from which local information and referral systems can obtain data about licensed child care.

The office of child care resources is responsible for the gathering and dissemination of information about federal tax incentives and other child care expansion alternatives to businesses.  Active pursuit of child care grants for providers, businesses and state agencies is required.  An advisory board is created to provide consultation and oversight.

Appropriation:    $48,500

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Senator Kreidler; Jerry Wasson, DSHS; Phil Prettyman, United Way of King County; Jackie Stenger, Washington Association for the Education of Young Children

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

The creation of a separate office of child care resources is omitted.  The Department is required to appoint a child care resource coordinator who will carry out the functions designated in the Senate version.  The establishment of a child care resources advisory board is deleted and the Department is no longer required to report to the Legislature regarding the services rendered or regarding the availability, quality and affordability of child care in the state.  The appropriations language is deleted and the section expires on June 30, 1989 unless extended by law.