I would like to discuss the Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) program and its importance to working parents within our community.

I personally used this program for a brief period of time. The program not only allowed me to go to work, it also ensured that my child was getting high-quality care.

Following my graduation from college, I found myself homeless and jobless with a 6-month-old baby. This small subsidy allowed me to get a job, while providing me the comfort that my child was in a licensed childcare facility. I ultimately was able to improve my situation through promotions and other job opportunities. I am now able to afford my own childcare and contribute back to the community that helped me in a time of need. Without this small subsidy, I would not have been able to work and I would potentially be living off of public assistance.

With more parents needing to work to get by, adequate funding for this program is essential to the success of workers in our community. In April, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment numbers increased by 165,000. Additionally, summer is nearing and more working parents need to provide high-quality care for their children throughout the summer months. The WCCC program must be properly funded so that Washington parents can work. Tell your state representatives to support the proposed House budget to make sure parents like me can go to work and children in our community are getting high-quality care.

Emma Chapman
Bainbridge Island