In Washington, over half a million children lack child care according to Child Care Aware. This crisis disproportionately affects women, who drop out of the workforce to care for young ones. Employers must pay to replace employees who lose access to child care. The scarcity of high-quality, low-cost child care options has taken a significant toll across our state.
SB 5237, the Fair Start for Kids Act, promotes healthy child development through affordable early learning opportunities. Beginning in pregnancy, parents receive support and access to resources that will help their family thrive. Expanded access to affordable care means that parents will be able to return to the workforce more easily, or pursue a degree, bolstering our State's economic recovery. Educators will receive the living wage that they deserve, reducing turnover in child care environments. Every child deserves a fair start. Ask your representatives to support children and families by voting yes on SB 5237.