Editor,

As a mother, I know how essential child care is for a child’s development, parents’ ability to work and for our economy to thrive.

Before the pandemic, access to affordable, high-quality child care was out of reach for too many families.

Sixty-three percent of Washingtonians lived in a child care desert, meaning there were more than three children for every licensed child care slot.

COVID-19 has only exacerbated this problem as many child care providers have permanently closed their doors, while parents have lost their ability to pay for child care.

Parents will need a safe place for their kids to go when they return to the labor market. Not surprisingly, the Washington State Senate Special Committee on Economic Recovery listed the expansion of child care as its first recommendation for the state’s long-term economic recovery.

Thankfully, the Fair Start for Kids Act would expand access to high-quality early care and education programs for thousands of families in our state.

Join me and call on your elected officals to support the Fair Start for Kids Act.

Fe Mischo

Oak Harbor