Declares that the mediation and interest arbitration provisions of RCW 41.56.430 through 41.56.470 and 41.56.480 apply. In making a decision, the interest arbitration panel shall consider the following factors: (1) A comparison of child care provider subsidy rates and reimbursement programs by public entities, including counties and municipalities, along the west coast of the United States;

(2) The public's interest in reducing turnover and increasing retention of child care employees;

(3) The state's interest in promoting a stable child care workforce to provide quality and reliable care throughout the state; and

(4) For employees exempt from licensing under chapter 74.15 RCW, the state's fiscal interest in reducing reliance upon public benefit programs including but not limited to medical coupons, food stamps, subsidized housing, and emergency medical services.