Expansion of on-campus child care clears Legislature

Roberts hails passage of 'family-friendly' bill

March 7, 2008

OLYMPIA, WA – The Senate yesterday unanimously passed legislation to expand the availability of child care on college campuses across the state.  House Bill 2582, sponsored by Rep. Mary Helen Roberts (D – Lynnwood), addresses an unmet need at public two- and four-year colleges.

“This was a top priority for me and the Washington Student Lobby and reflects a year of collaborative work,” Roberts said.  “The students’ research showed that there are waiting lists for child care at most of our state’s colleges.  Lack of affordable childcare is discouraging and often causes students to postpone or even abandon their educational goals. Implementation of the bill will make it possible for more students to finish their degree and graduate.”

Student governments at state two and four year colleges have contributed a portion of their service and activity fees to help pay for child care programs.  The contribution from students at the four year schools has exceeded $2 million over the past two years. The bill changes the way the state funds child care at the four year institutions, providing matching grants to the dollars provided through the student governments.  The two year schools chose to remain with a competitive grant approach, hoping to leverage more innovative programs while prioritizing those campuses with the greatest need. 

Previously, all grants were awarded only on a competitive basis.  Funding made available through the state budget will be divided between the two- and four-year schools. 

“This will help the state achieve its goal of producing more college graduates," Roberts said.  “In addition, it is family-friendly legislation.  Nationwide, over one-quarter of college undergraduates have dependents.  When parents finish their education, they have a better chance of obtaining a good-paying job that will support their family.”

The Senate passed the bill 47-0.  It passed the House last month 96-0.  The final amount of funding for the expanded grants will be known next week when the state supplemental operating budget clears the Legislature.