One Week Left to Sine Die!
We are in the final push for the 2026 Legislative Session. The last day – also known as Sine Die (sigh-knee dye) – is next Thursday, March 12. The other key dates and actions between now and then are:
- Sunday, March 6, by 5pm – Opposite Chamber (or House) Cutoff. Except for items necessary to implement the budget (NTIB) – all bills will have to have been passed by the opposite chamber from where they originated.
- Between March 6 and March 12 – Bills that were changed in their opposite chamber will have to go back to their original chamber to have those changes approved or denied (this is called Concurrence), and bills related to the budget – and the budget itself – will have to be passed and concurred, as well.
After the end of session, the Governor has 20 days to take action (sign, veto, or line-item veto) on any bill passed by the Legislature.
Here are the key items to watch and take action around in this last week:
SHB 2689 – Concerning Working Connections Child Care Program
This bill has improved since it was first introduced with caps on enrollment being removed, however, there are still significant reductions being proposed. In its current form, this bill will:
- For providers: reduce the reimbursement rate to 75% of the market rate starting on 7/1/27, and change the attendance reimbursement policy to receive a full month of payment for a child who has 10 or fewer absences/month; or a half month of payment for a child who has attended at least one day in a month but has 11+ absences.
- For families: eliminate previously planned family income eligibility expansion to 75% state median income (SMI) in 2029 and 85% SMI in 2031.
These changes would mean a reduction in funding by ~$103mil in 2026-27, and ~$462.2mil in 27-29 and 29-31, respectively.
This bill has passed the House.
Next Steps: Scheduled for hearing on Monday, March 9 in Senate Ways & Means committee at 10am – sign in by 9am Monday with your position or to testify about how this would impact you.
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SB 6346 – Millionaires Tax
This bill would tax 9.9% of income over $1 million beginning in 2028. It is estimated that the tax will be paid by only 20,000 of the 3.1 million households in the state (less than 1%), and will raise $3.7 billion. The proposal also repeals sales tax on diapers (a mid-session addition!) and some personal care products (e.g. soaps, toothpaste, etc.). Seven states and D.C. have a similar tax in place.
This bill has passed the Senate and the House Finance Committee.
Next Steps: The bill is awaiting a floor vote in the House. Contact your Representatives to encourage them to pass this progressive revenue and to commit a significant portion to be dedicated to fund early learning:
- Through the legislature website
- By phone
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SB 5998 – Supplemental Operating Budget
Both the House and the Senate have passed their budgets. Here are some details around the similarities and differences in each of their proposals:
What is the same:
- No cap and no waiting list for Working Connections Child Care (WCCC)!
- Rates: Both budgets would set WCCC reimbursement rate to the 85th percentile of the 2024 Market Rate Survey (MRS) starting 7/1/26, and drop to the 75th percentile of (we believe) the 2026 MRS starting 7/1/27.
- Elimination of eligibility expansion for families: Both budgets removed the planned expansions to 75% state median income (SMI) in 2029 and 85% SMI in 2031
What is different?
- Attendance policies
- House: WCCC providers would be paid a full month of payment for a child with 10 or fewer absences within the month, and half month of payment for a child who attended at least 1 day but has 11 or more absences
- Senate: Providers would be paid for up to 15 days when a child attends at least 1 day in a month, and a daily payment for each day after 15 days
- Funding reductions for professional development: The House budget would reduce this funding by 50% ($2.15million/year).
A budget must be passed in order for the legislature to end this year’s session.
Next Steps: A budget concurrence committee has been established – they will be working on the final revisions to bring to final votes in each chamber. Contact your legislators on how WCCC attendance reimbursement rates and/or professional development impact you.
Bills already fully passed and awaiting the Governor’s signature:
ESHB 2219 – Enhancing the Operational Efficiency of Child Care Providers
Authorizes periods of time when child care centers may combine different ages of children in care, which provides greater flexibility for scheduling and staff meal/rest breaks.
What else can you do? Share this with fellow early learning folks in your network! The more people pulling together in the same direction, the stronger our voices and advocacy will be.