OLYMPIA –This week, the Washington House of Representatives passed legislation sponsored by Rep. Lisa Callan, D-Issaquah, to improve how the Working Connections childcare payment program serves families, including those facing homelessness.
“We needed to extend the Working Connections grace period from four to 12 months and start it when childcare is found, not when the paperwork is finished,” said Callan. “This means families can find and maintain access to the critical, high-quality early learning environments that children facing homelessness need for healthy childhood development. It reduces trauma, provides a quality care and learning environment for kids and allows their families time to stabilize basic needs. This is a big step toward providing stability for our children and families.”
House Bill 2471 starts a 12-month authorization period for Working Connections childcare at the time childcare is expected to start, rather than when the authorization is initially granted. Struggles finding childcare and backlogs in paperwork can significantly eat into a family’s eligibility under current law.
Additionally, House Bill 2456 extends the grace period for families facing homelessness to fulfill Working Connections program requirements from four to 12 months, granting them more time to establish care for their children, find housing and employment.
“We all want a path forward for our neighbor families who are struggling,” continued Callan. “It doesn’t’ matter who they are or where they live, children and families deserve stability and security.”