SENATE BILL REPORT
2SHB 1525
As of March 21, 2023
Title: An act relating to eligibility for working connections child care benefits for persons participating in state registered apprenticeships.
Brief Description: Concerning eligibility for working connections child care benefits for persons participating in state registered apprenticeships.
Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Fosse, Lekanoff, Farivar, Shavers, Thai, Taylor, Hansen, Alvarado, Senn, Hackney, Wylie, Duerr, Leavitt, Berg, Stearns, Peterson, Macri, Berry, Cortes, Low, Schmidt, Stonier, Kloba, Robertson, Gregerson, Riccelli, Doglio, Waters, Cheney, Orwall, Connors, Ybarra, Bronoske, Dent, Morgan, Ramel, Donaghy, Goodman, Ryu, Fey, Reed, Davis, Timmons, Street, Simmons, Fitzgibbon, Christian, Santos, Rule, Abbarno, Sandlin, Chopp, Bateman, Rude, Eslick, Ormsby, Reeves, Barkis, Graham, Pollet, Ortiz-Self, Callan and Bergquist).
Brief History: Passed House: 3/1/23, 96-0.
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 3/13/23, 3/15/23 [DPA-WM, DNP, w/oRec].
Ways & Means: 3/21/23.
Brief Summary of Amended Bill
  • Expands Working Connections Child Care eligibility to include the first 12 months of an applicant or consumer's enrollment in a state registered apprenticeship program when their household incomes do not exceed certain amounts.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION
Majority Report: Do pass as amended and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
Signed by Senators Wellman, Chair; Nobles, Vice Chair; Wilson, C., Vice Chair; Hunt and Pedersen.
Minority Report: Do not pass.
Signed by Senators Hawkins, Ranking Member; Dozier.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.
Signed by Senator McCune.
Staff: Ailey Kato (786-7434)
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS
Staff: Joshua Hinman (786-7281)
Background:

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.

Summary of Amended Bill:

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 regardless of other eligibility requirements when the applicant or consumer has a household income that:

  • before July 1, 2025, does not exceed 75 percent of SMI at the time of application; and
  • beginning July 1, 2025, does not exceed 85 percent of SMI at the time of application.

 

DCYF must adopt a copayment model for benefits to consumers with household incomes above 60 percent of SMI and at or below 85 percent of SMI, which must align with any identified or adopted copayment under current law.

EFFECT OF EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION COMMITTEE AMENDMENT(S):
  • Removes the date of July 1, 2023 for when the first phase of the policy begins, so that the policy takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session.
Appropriation: The bill contains a null and void clause requiring specific funding be provided in an omnibus appropriation act.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Second Substitute House Bill (Early Learning & K-12 Education):

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.

Persons Testifying (Early Learning & K-12 Education): PRO: Representative Mary Fosse, Prime Sponsor; Erin Frasier, Washington State Building & Construction Trades Council; Heather Kurtenbach, Ironworkers Local 86; Nicole Grant, IBEW 46; Maya Gillett.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying (Early Learning & K-12 Education): No one.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Bill as Amended by Early Learning & K-12 Education (Ways & Means):

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.

Persons Testifying (Ways & Means): PRO: Erin Haick, SEIU 925.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying (Ways & Means): No one.