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.
End Childhood Hunger
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Advocates, Service Providers Condemn Trump’s “Public Charge” Income Test
SEATTLE, Wash. — The Protecting Immigrant Families – Washington coalition condemns new regulations proposed by the Trump administration that would effectively impose an income test on family-based immigration and scare millions of families away from crucial health, housing and nutrition assistance.
Champions for Children
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).
What we do for kids now
This year’s election will bring immense change to our nation and our state.
Paid sick days help kids reach their full potential
No parent should have to choose between caring for a sick child and earning a day’s pay
Poverty blocks progress, though Washington’s kids gain overall
Household incomes for Washington’s poorest families have yet to recover from the 2008 r
McCleary sanctions should advance, not restrict, educational opportunity
The state Supreme Court must not order action that would endanger children’s constituti
Report: More Washington Kids Have Health Coverage, but Poverty Still a Roadblock
SEATTLE – Kids and families in Washington state have made some progress in the face of poverty rates that have yet to improve, according to the new national 2016 KIDS COUNT® Data Book from the Annie. E. Casey Foundation.
Good jobs: A great way to end childhood hunger
The Children’s Alliance has endorsed Initiative 1433 for a higher minimum wage and paid
Vote YES on Initiative 1433: Raise Up Washington
Better wages and access to paid sick leave stabilize families and help kids grow up healthy and strong. One in five children in our state live in poverty and face long-term barriers to success in school and in life. Family-friendly workplace policies move us closer to ending childhood hunger and poverty. When crafted well, such policies are also a step toward racial equity, as people of color disproportionately hold low-wage jobs without paid leave benefits.
Champions for Children: 2015 Legislative Session
Children’s Alliance Champions for Children are state lawmakers recognized for their outstanding service to children in a specific policy area in a particular legislative session.
Progress for Kids: our work in the 2015 legislative session
For Washington to thrive, all of our children must thrive. That's why Children's Alliance partners with parents and other community leaders to push for public investments in key areas of child well-being.
This year, by opening the doors of power in Olympia to parents and advocates from across the state, we achieved two historic victories.
Hungry in Washington 2014
For the first time since 2008, our state's rate of hunger matched the national rate. However, the rate of hunger continues to be significantly higher than before the recession. The Children's Alliance estimates that 305,000 children live in food-insecure households. Read our report.
Schools win cash for helping students "fuel up first"
Eight school districts across Washington state have earned honors for serving more students the first meal of the day: breakfast.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn, the Washington State Dairy Council, and the non-profit advocacy group for kids the Children’s Alliance are recognizing the school districts with gold, silver and bronze awards and cash prizes of $500-$1,500. The Dairy Council provided funds for the awards, and for colorful award banners to hang in local schools.
MEDIA RELEASE: Community Organizations Speak Up for Equal Benefits for Hungry Families
Seventy-one community based organizations from across the state have joined together to call for full restoration of State Food Assistance for Washington children, elders, and families.
The organizations, representing people in communities of color and anti-hunger organizations like food banks, are asking state legislators to restore full funding to State Food Assistance, a crucial form of food support for children in immigrant families.
Community Organizations Speak Up: Equal Benefits for Hungry Families
Seventy-one community based organizations from across the state have joined together to call for full restoration of State Food Assistance for our children, elders, and families. Read their letter to the Washington State Legislature and Gov. Jay Inslee.
Fight Childhood Hunger: Restore State Food Assistance
A reduction in State Food Assistance in 2012 put nearly 14,000 children in immigrant families at greater risk of hunger. This session, we ask lawmakers to add $4.6 million to State Food Assistance to restore full benefits for the 2014-15 budget. Read more.