Champions for Children: 2017 Legislative Session
July 2017
2017 Legislative Session
2017-19 Operating and Capital Budget Draft Analysis for Early Learning Priorities
View (PDF) of ELAA's 2017-19 Operating and Capital Budget Draft Analysis for Early Learning Priorities.
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.
2017 Legislative Review
Every child in our state should have the opportunity to thrive: a quality education supported by parents and community from cradle to career; enough healthy food to eat each day; and access to comprehensive, affordable health care that optimizes their well-being.
http://www.childrensalliance.org/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/bill%20signing%20DCYF%2020170706_134525cr-%28ZF-7540-35628-1-002%29%20crop.jpg?itok=a3esMo6n
Opportunities for Racial Equity within the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)
I. Short-Term Opportunities: Now through November 2017
Data ought to prompt state lawmakers to act
A new report ought to prompt state lawmakers to further our kids’ education and economic security—starting in the earliest years.
http://childrensalliance.org/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/2017-06/copy_of_2017_06_12_uninsurance_rates_by_race_ethnicity_2011to2015.jpg.jpg?itok=Z0Yoy_BH
Print this sign: Choose Revenue, Choose Kids!
Print out this sign (PDF), add your name, take a selfie and submit it to us. We'll deliver it to your legislators.
http://childrensalliance.org/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/CRCK_collage.jpg?itok=KmMHayc1
Tips for Advocacy during Special Session
We recently gathered our thoughts about what works to persuade lawmakers to act in kids’ interests over the course of special session. Now that the Legislature has begun its special session to complete its work on the two-year budget, we share these three tips in the hopes that they can help us all be more effective advocates for kids.
Why We Support the Establishment of a Department of Children, Youth, and Families
The Washington State Legislature is on the verge of taking unprecedented action on behalf of Washington’s children and families by establishing a cabinet-level Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).
State's investments in quality preschool can reduce K-12 disparities
A new analysis by KIDS COUNT in Washington shows the power of the state’s quality preschool program, the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), to reduce the opportunity gap in the first five years of a child’s life.
Research Brief: Early Learning Improves Kindergarten Readiness for All and Dramatically Reduces Disparities for Kids of Color
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.
Talking about Racism and Bias: Resources for parents and caregivers
Racialized rhetoric propelled President Trump’s harmful policy ideas toward the White House. Now, many of those ideas endanger kids in their homes, schools, neighborhoods and faith communities.
Building the path to educational success
This post is our contribution to the Cradle Through College Coalition’s #MyEdPath project. Check out MyEdPath and share your own experience on Twitter or Facebook.
http://childrensalliance.org/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/inline-images/MyEdPath.jpg?itok=v_WR7Sla
The threat to Apple Health for Kids
Congress seems to be on the verge of toppling one of the pillars of financial support for Apple Health for Kids.
Statement: Children’s Alliance responds to Senate budget proposal
The Senate proposed budget won’t work for Washington’s kids.
This budget proposal falls short of what children in Washington need to be successful in school and in life.
It puts the brakes on our steady progress to ensure that Washington kids enter kindergarten ready to learn.
Kids’ policy progress report
It’s a little past the midpoint of the 2017 legislative session. Every legislative session contains numerous opportunities to advance good policies for kids. Here’s how Children’s Alliance’s legislative priorities and additional issues we are working on have fared.
Legislator Town Halls: Information for Advocates
Town halls are public meetings lawmakers host in their districts to hear from constituents and share updates on their work.
Children’s Alliance Priorities in the Department of Children, Youth and Families Legislation (2SHB 1661)
Children’s Alliance is very pleased to see a number of our priorities reflected in 2SHB 1661. This brief outlines the provisions in the legislation a
Towards improving oral health equity in Washington
PHOTO: Children's Alliance deputy director Jon Gould stands with Brian Cladoosby, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community chairman and president of the National Congress of American Indians, at the state capitol today. Advocates were present to witness the signing of Senate Bill 5079, which recognizes the right of Tribal governments to hire dental therapists.
http://www.childrensalliance.org/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/Jon_Gould_Brian_Cladoosby.JPG?itok=gKxi9_f0
Good news for kids: Dental Access Bill moves forward
The nationwide momentum for greater access to dental care surged forward today in Washington state: House Bill 1364, the Dental Access bill, passed a major hurdle in the House of Representatives, emerging from the House Health Care & Wellness Committee.