U.S. HOUSE APPROVES HERRERA BEUTLER EFFORT TO REMOVE SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON “CHILD CARE DESERT” DESIGNATION, SECURES ASSISTANCE TO INCREASE CHILD CARE CAPACITY IN GOLDENDALE

U.S. House approves FY22 Appropriations bill, includes more than $500,000 to renovate or construct a facility to serve as a child care or early learning center in Goldendale.

Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler announced today she secured $583,390 in support of an effort by the Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) to develop a child care facility in Goldendale.

“Southwest Washington continues to experience a lack of quality, convenient child care facilities, making it a ‘child care desert.’ Hard-working parents in rural communities like Klickitat County understand this child care gap better than anyone. This need led me to partner with the Washington Gorge Action Program in advocating for the community’s request to construct a child care facility in Goldendale, which is going to help serve families throughout the community,” Herrera Beutler said.

As a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, Herrera Beutler worked with WAGAP on this community-supported funding request and helped secure the funds last year in the FY22 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill, which was approved by the full U.S. House this week. The package is expected to receive Senate consideration in the coming days.