SENATE BILL REPORT

ESB 6531

BYSenators Niemi, Kiskaddon, Stratton, Garrett, Bauer, Fleming, McMullen and Talmadge

Making appropriations to department of social and health services for payment rate increases for day care services and a day care subsidy program.

Senate Committee on Children & Family Services

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 26, 1988; February 1, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass and refer to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Kiskaddon, Chairman; Bailey, Vice Chairman; Fleming, Garrett, Stratton.

Senate Staff:Jennifer Strus (786-7472)

                  February 1, 1988

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 5, 1988; February 8, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators McDonald, Chairman; Bauer, Bluechel, Fleming, Gaspard, Johnson, Lee, Moore, Newhouse, Saling, Talmadge, Vognild, Warnke, Williams, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Jan Sharar (786-7715)

                  February 17, 1988

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 16, 1988

BACKGROUND:

In 1985 the Governor's Task Force on Children's Day Care and the Legislature requested that the Department of Social and Health Services study the day care subsidy program and recommend changes which would be more responsive to the families and children.

The group which studied the day care subsidy program recommended that vendor rates paid by the department for day care increase by at least ten percent so that rates more closely approximate the cost of care.  The group also recommended that a new rate structure for these programs be developed.

SUMMARY:

An appropriation of so much as is necessary is made from the state general fund to the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to be used only for payment rate increases for regular day care programs.  The department must establish a new rate structure for the programs and must consider certain criteria in doing so.

An appropriation of so much as is necessary is made from the state general fund to DSHS solely for a day care subsidy program.  The monthly subsidy paid by the department shall be no more than $50 per child and is to be paid to licensed day care providers caring for children of AFDC recipients.  No subsidy shall be provided for a child whose parents do not work full time.

Appropriation:    undetermined

Revenue:    yes

Fiscal Note:      requested February 4, 1988

Effective Date:July 1, 1988

Senate Committee - Testified: CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES: FOR: Pat Thibaudeau, Washington Women United; Mike Von Rodgers, Child Care Action Council; Cathie DeWeese-Parkinson, East Vancouver Child Care/WAEYG; Margie Reeves, Child Care Action Council of Thurston County; Ruth Kagi, League of Women Voters; Jon Leveque, Alliance for Children, Youth and Families

Senate Committee - Testified: WAYS & MEANS:  Pat Thibaudeau (for)