2016 Legislative Review
This past session, the Children’s Alliance fought for policy solutions rooted in our commitment to improve the lives of Washington’s children and advance racial equity, so every child has the opportunity they deserve.
This past session, the Children’s Alliance fought for policy solutions rooted in our commitment to improve the lives of Washington’s children and advance racial equity, so every child has the opportunity they deserve.
Read our legislative agenda in English.
Creemos en el potencial de todos los niños. La pobreza y el racismo erosionan las oportunidades de los niños. Nuestra agenda legislativa refleja las políticas públicas inteligentes, aquéllas que retiran las barreras y crean oportunidades que permiten el florecimiento de los niños.
Lea nuestra agenda legislativa en Español.
We believe in the potential of every child. Poverty and racism erode kids’ opportunities. Our legislative agenda reflects smart public policies that remove barriers and create opportunity—so all kids can thrive.
Champions for Children are state lawmakers recognized by the Children’s Alliance for their outstanding service on behalf of children.
To be honored as a Champion for Children, a state lawmaker must provide significant leadership in protecting or advancing state policies or investments that improve the well-being of children in Washington.
Learn more about Children's Alliance's criteria for selecting Champions for Children (pdf).
We recently gathered our thoughts about what works to persuade lawmakers to act in kids
The Washington State Legislature is on the verge of taking unprecedented action on beha
We all have a stake in making sure that, from the day they’re born, kids can have the enriching experiences they need to get off to a great start in life. Research has found quality early learning can give children the tools they need to thrive academically and emotionally throughout their young lives and beyond.
The creation of a Department for Children, Youth and Families is a
The creation of a consolidated Department of Children, Youth and Families is an historic opportunity to improve outcomes for all children, especially those who face barriers to their healthy development and learning.
We support the proposal for a Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), with the following priorities:
The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) is quality preschool that’s good for kids, parents and schools.
Washington has some of the highest child-care (including preschool) costs in the nation. That means some kids, disproportionately kids in low-income families and children of color, miss out on early experiences in preschool that can help them have a great childhood and thrive in kindergarten. ECEAP expands equitable access to high-quality, culturally responsive preschool.
The proposal to consolidate programs and services into a Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) in Washington State is a once in a generation opportunity to structure government for positive outcomes for children, youth, and families.
While there are many important aspects of this endeavor, the Children’s Alliance has identified four key areas for the focus of our advocacy. We recognize there are many issues involved and we will also play a supportive role on other issues that are deeply felt by our community.
These are our four priorities:
Children’s Alliance executive director Paola Maranan delivered the following remark
This year’s election will bring immense change to our nation and our state.
Six state legislators were honored for their commitment to the first five years of a child’s life on Saturday, Sept. 17 , with Crayon Awards from the Early Learning Action Alliance.
The awards were presented to Senators Joe Fain (R-47th) and Steve Litzow (R-41st) and Representatives Chad Magendanz (R-5th), Ruth Kagi (D-32nd), Eric Pettigrew (D-37th) and Tana Senn (D-41st) at Green River College by representatives of the Early Learning Action Alliance.
© 2016 Children's Alliance