For Immediate Release:

Thursday, June 21, 2007

 (Washington, D.C.) – Today U.S. Senator Patty Murray announced that she has included $1 million in funding for the Child Care Resource and Referral Network in Tacoma. Senator Murray included the funding in the Labor, Health, Human Services and Education (LHHS) Appropriations bill – the annual spending bill that funds healthcare priorities. Senator Murray is a senior member of the LHHS Appropriations Subcommittee.

 
"This funding for the Child Care Resource and Referral Network will help improve early learning opportunities across Washington state," Murray stated.  "I understand how important quality child care is to a child's development and a family's stability, and am proud to help provide resources so that parents will have better information and a greater standard of care for their children."

Elizabeth Bonbright Thompson, Executive Director of the Washington State Child Care Resource & Referral Service applauded Murray's efforts, "With this funding, Congress will join the State of Washington and many leading philanthropists in creating environments for kids that improve their success in school and in life.  This strategic public investment will leverage major positive changes that can serve as models for the nation.  Senator Murray has once again demonstrated the strength of her voice for children."

The Child Care Resource and Referral Network evaluates and publicizes information about the quality of child care and early learning opportunities across the state, giving parents the necessary information to make educated decisions on their child care needs.  Additionally, they provide incentives for child care facilities to serve low-income families, and provide assistance to improve the quality of care and learning opportunities for children.  

Senator Murray, a former pre-school teacher, is a strong proponent for early childhood education.  One of Senator Murray's goals in the LHHS bill is to help give states, districts and communities the tools they need to improve education from birth through college and beyond through lifelong learning opportunities.  Washington state needs a well-educated workforce to maintain competitiveness in the global economy, and Senator Murray is determined to help provide parents and children with the tools they need to succeed.

The LHHS Appropriations bill was passed out of the Senate Appropriations Committee today.  It will now be scheduled for debate before the full Senate.