SPOKANE, Wash. — Thousands of low-income families across Washington face losing critical child care assistance under proposed state budget cuts that would cap enrollment in the Working Connections Child Care Program.
The cuts would affect an estimated 14,000 families who currently rely on state subsidies to make child care affordable. For many parents, the program represents their only path to employment and stability.
Jaqulyn Smith, who enrolled after leaving an abusive relationship, said the program changed her family’s life.
“I felt like I didn’t have a way out. I was stuck in that situation. But going to that school made me realize that people were on my side,” Smith said.
With two children in Head Start, Smith can now work and save for housing without spending her entire income on child care.
The financial impact would be severe. One single parent currently pays $60 per month for child care with the subsidy but would face thousands of dollars in monthly costs without it.
Goretti Manzo, a former recipient who graduated from Washington State University, credits the program with transforming her circumstances.
“Now, I have a job, I graduated from WSU, I have so much more for myself and for my children, and have bettered my situation so much because of this program,” Manzo said.
Child care providers would also face difficult choices if subsidy funding decreases. Facilities may be forced to stop serving infants and toddlers, raise prices for private-pay families, or close classrooms entirely.
The cuts reflect constitutional priorities. While Washington mandates funding for health care and basic education, early learning programs are not constitutionally required, making them vulnerable during budget negotiations.
Advocacy groups warn that reducing child care assistance could harm the broader economy when parents cannot work due to unaffordable child care costs.
The governor’s proposed budget also includes cuts to public education and higher education institutions.
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