HOUSE 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.

House Committe on Human Services

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendments. (9)

      Signed by Representatives Brekke, Chair; Scott, Vice Chair; Anderson, Leonard, Moyer, Padden, H. Sommers, Sutherland and Winsley.

House Staff:John B. Welsh, Jr.  (786-7133)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES FEBRUARY 24, 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:

BILL AS AMENDED:  The department must establish a new rate structure for regular day care and reservation day care programs and must consider certain criteria in doing so. These criteria include reimbursing providers on a child slot basis; for high school completion without regard to income; establishing maximum eligibility for employment day care at seventy percent of state median income; and establishing rates which vary by age and area.

AMENDED BILL COMPARED TO ENGROSSED BILL:  The appropriation sections for payment rate increases, and day care subsidy program are deleted.

Fiscal Note:      Available.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Senator Janice Niemi, Prime Sponsor; Pat Thibaudeau, Washington Women United; Karen Tvedt, Department of Social and Health Services (supports concept); Ruth Kagi, League of Women Voters; Marsha Holland, Washington Association for the Education of Young Children; Kip Tokuda, Washington Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect; and Lonnie Johns-Brown, Washington State Chapter, National Organization for Women.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    The Department of Social and Health Services should follow the recommendations of the task force which studied day care issues and increase day care rates to at least match costs.  A new rate structure is needed to meet current needs.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.