Child care advocates in Washington are pushing for higher wages and better support for providers as the state grapples with a severe child care shortage. Many providers, like Tasha Fitzgerald, have left the field due to low pay and inadequate benefits, highlighting a systemic issue affecting the workforce. With a budget gap of around $12 billion, lawmakers are exploring options to increase reimbursement rates for providers accepting state subsidies to attract and retain quality staff. Former Governor Jay Inslee's proposal includes significant funding to raise these rates to align with market standards. Additionally, lawmakers are considering regulatory reforms to reduce fees for obtaining child care licenses, which could further alleviate costs for providers.

Advocates stress the importance of these changes to ensure that families have access to quality child care services. The bipartisan effort reflects a growing recognition of the critical role child care plays in supporting working families. As discussions progress, the future of child care in Washington remains uncertain but increasingly urgent.