Working Connections Child Care.  The Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) program is a federally and state-funded program that provides child care subsidies to families, and is administered by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).  Families are eligible for child care subsidies if they have a household income at or below 60 percent of the state median income (SMI), have one or more children younger than 13 or younger than 19 with a verified special need or are under court supervision, and meet all other program eligibility requirements.  As of October 1, 2022, 60 percent of the state median income is $4,274 maximum monthly income for a family of three.

In 2021, WCCC eligibility was expanded by phasing in higher income thresholds.  Beginning July 1, 2025, families are eligible for child care subsidies if they have a household income at or below 75 percent of SMI and meet other requirements.  Beginning July 1, 2027 and subject to appropriations, families are eligible if they have a household income at or below 85 percent of SMI and meet other requirements.
 

The state pays part of the cost of child care when the parent is working or participating in certain activities.  Depending on income, families may be required to make a copayment to the child care provider.  Copayments are established in state law and are phased in.

Authorizations for WCCC subsidies are effective for 12 months. 
 
Registered Apprenticeships.  An apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with related classroom instruction under the supervision of a journey-level professional.  After completing a registered apprenticeship program, apprentices receive a professional credential that is recognized nationwide.

An applicant or consumer is eligible to receive WCCC benefits for the care of one or more eligible children for the first 12 months of enrollment in a state registered apprenticeship program when the applicant or consumer has a household income that does not exceed 75 percent of SMI at the time of application and meets other eligibility requirements. Beginning July 1, 2027, the income threshold increases to 85 percent of SMI if funds are appropriated.

A state registered apprenticeship applicant is no longer required to be a full-time student of a community, technical, or tribal college in order to waive work requirements as a condition of receiving WCCC benefits.

DCYF must adopt a copayment model that aligns with any copayment identified or adopted for households with the same income level.

The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard.  PRO:  One of the barriers for diversifying the trades is the cost of child care.  Child care deficits disproportionally impact women and single parents.  This bill will help with recruiting and retaining trader workers who are needed to help meet housing and clean energy goals.  Providing child care subsidies for people participating in apprenticeships will help provide stability and help the completion of apprenticeships, which is especially important for people who are transitioning away from public assistance.

The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO: Testifier represents the largest union of child care providers. Child care is the biggest barrier to apprenticeships. They are only paid for time at the job site and child care prices become a real barrier, particularly for women and color. Lack of child care access prevents people from transitioning into good paying jobs.

This bill is a smart investment. This bill also builds on privately funded initiatives. If the state wants to build industries like clean energy, transportation, and more, where people need skills for trade, we need apprenticeships to finish. Without allowing for participants to finish their apprenticeships, state investments will be cut off.