FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 3, 2023 

Press Inquiries | 360.786.7298, erin.hut@leg.wa.gov 

OLYMPIA – The Senate on Thursday passed Senator Claire Wilson’s (D-Auburn) legislation to simultaneously increase access to affordable childcare and strengthen Washington’s childcare workforce.  

Senate Bill 5225 aims to allow more families to qualify for state-subsidized childcare through expanding eligibility to the Working Connections Child Care program. 

Childcare providers are struggling to hire and retain employees. Too often, this is because staff are forced to forego work due to their own personal struggle finding childcare. SB 5225 would allow these providers to be eligible for the subsidy, so they can get back to work.   

“Expanding eligibility to more families will not only result in children getting more care, but it will also make for a strong, stable and available workforce,” said Sen. Wilson. 

SB 5225 would also expand eligibility for families in the therapeutic court system, would support a parent’s success and provide stable, consistent care for their children. 

Lastly, SB 5225 would provide access to childcare for parents, who because of documentation status, are not eligible for the program.