Affordable childcare is a critical issue for thousands of Tri-Cities families. Unfortunately, the number of family childcare providers has dropped 20% over the past five years, making Washington State the third least affordable state for childcare.

Since 2019, while median incomes in Washington have risen by 5%, childcare costs have surged by 11-31%. This financial strain is making it harder for families to secure steady employment.

But there are solutions. On August 13, I met with Tri-Cities stakeholders and concerned families at the Child Care Strategy Summit in Kennewick, sponsored by the Tri-Cities Regional Chamber of Commerce. We tackled local childcare challenges and explored practical solutions to support workforce stability.

Amy Anderson, Government Affairs Director for the Association of Washington Business, delivered an insightful presentation on childcare businesses’ current challenges. Listening to the community firsthand, I better understood how this crisis affects local families.

I hear your concerns, and I’m committed to finding solutions. The lack of affordable, quality childcare is a statewide issue creating significant obstacles for our families.

Over the past 12 years, the number of children needing childcare in Washington has grown by 15,000, while the number of providers has decreased by 2,300. This trend is unsustainable, and we must act. Together, we can work to create better wages for childcare workers and incentives for providers.

A recent statewide analysis revealed that the lack of access to childcare has resulted in a $6 billion loss to Washington’s economy. As we approach the 2025 legislative session, I am dedicated to working together to find solutions that create more opportunities for Tri-City families.