At least 400 working parents with young children are expected to gather in Olympia tomorrow to demand that lawmakers not approve cuts to the state-funded Working Connections Child Care program outlined in Gov. Bob Ferguson’s proposed supplemental budget for the 2025-27 biennium. The program, according to Joel Ryan, executive director of Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP, “is an essential support that allows families to work and children to thrive.”
A rally on the Capitol steps against the cuts is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. tomorrow, Feb. 12.
Working Connections Child Care helps eligible low-income families pay for child care while they work, attend job training, or participate in educational programs. The subsidy is paid directly to providers, with families covering a portion of the cost with a copayment based on their household income. Families must meet income requirements, typically at or below 60% of the state median income, and meet specific work or activity requirements. Approximately 17% of eligible children in Washington state participate in the program, with nearly 64,000 currently enrolled.
Tax, don’t cut
Ferguson’s proposed budget includes funding reductions that Ryan says could leave up to 6,800 Washington children from low-income families without child care. The proposed cuts are an attempt to balance an approximately $2.3 billion budget shortfall in the state’s roughly $79 billion supplemental budget during the current legislative session. The session ends on March 12.
“This drastic cut will make it more difficult for working parents with young children to juggle caring for their children and putting food on the table,” Ryan said in an email. “It will lead to less economic activity, job losses, and increases in public benefit usage, just as Washington State faces a huge budget deficit. Our Association believes that the Governor and lawmakers should instead address the budget deficit by asking those with more resources to pay their fair share of taxes.”
State Democrats are working hard to make that happen. Controversial income tax legislation, Senate Bill 6346, also known as the “millionaires’ tax,” was voted out of the Washington state Senate committee earlier this week. The vote came after lawmakers agreed that part of the bill’s income would support local public defenders and increase a tax break for small businesses. The fight is far from over—Republicans’ opposition is strong on one of the most divisive bills of the 2026 legislative session. The proposed tax system would impose a 9.9% levy on personal income over $1 million.
TAKE ACTION: Would your family be impacted by cuts, or do you have a position on this proposed cut? No matter where you stand, your voice matters. Let your lawmakers know where you stand. Reach out to your representatives in the state House and Senate.
