State Rep. Kristine Reeves, D-Federal Way, was recognized in Olympia for spearheading legislation to increase affordability and access to child care this year and has been appointed to the Child Care Collaborative Task Force, according to a news release. The governor-appointed task force, a creation from a new law passed by Reeves, brings together the key players in child care: the business community, parents, early learning advocates, child care providers, and lawmakers. The group is tasked with exploring new options to lower child care costs and increase access for Washington’s working and middle class families.

The group’s recommendations to the Legislature could include suggestions on employer-supported care or tax incentives, or other options not yet discussed, according to the news release.

The first meeting of the task force has not been scheduled but must occur by Sept. 1. Final recommendations to the Legislature must be submitted by November 1, 2019.

“This task force is the next step toward meaningful improvement for Washington families that struggle with that monthly childcare bill,” Reeves said. “As a working mom, I understand the difficult choices families have to make — especially when it means choosing to work and finding child care that meets their needs. Now we can begin the discussion that moves us toward a public-private partnership that puts people first, lets families find the child care that is best for their children, while achieving greater financial freedom.”