Fuse Washington Recognizes Representative Kristine Reeves as a Champion for Working Families in Olympia
Fuse Washington has recognized Rep. Kristine Reeves (D-Federal Way) as the "Legislator of the Week" for her work on making local childcare options more affordable for working and middle class families across Washington.
Over the past decade, the skyrocketing costs of childcare have become a financial hardship for many working and middle class families. Last week, the House of Representatives passed Representative Reeves’ bills, HB 2367 and HB 2396, which seek to remedy this growing problem in our communities.
“Representative Reeves is a leading champion for Washington’s working parents," said Jamielyn Wheeler, Campaign Director at Fuse Washington. "Reeves’ work will help ensure that Washington’s working families can afford to pay for childcare.”
Reeves’ bill HB 2367 establishes a new solutions-driven task force that will identify inclusive ways to help lower cost and increase childcare access for families. The task force brings parents, business owners, children’s advocates, and lawmakers to the bargaining table.
“Rep. Reeves’ childcare affordability bills brings our state closer to fulfilling our commitment to our children,” said Wheeler. “We hope the Senate will follow through on behalf of families looking to Olympia for solutions.”
In addition to creating a childcare task force, Rep. Reeves sponsored HB 2396, which encourages the recruitment of more child care workers into the workforce and establishes a public-private partnership for small businesses that help parents pay for childcare services. This bill also received bipartisan support in the House.
Previous winners of the "Legislator of the Week" award include Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D-Renton) for her work strengthening state elections and Rep. Tana Senn (D-Mercer Island) for her work to ensure equal pay for women.
