2020 legislative session

The 2020 legislative session ended just as the COVID-19 pandemic began impacting communities across the state. Despite the pandemic’s challenges (see “Budget Cuts and Vetoes” below), the legislature took some good steps forward for kids and families.

The COVID-19 pandemic hammered the state capitol last Friday, in the form of budget cuts and vetoes to bills and investments that matter to kids. And as Gov.

From their earliest weeks of life, babies are growing in a very special way. They’re building their ability to interact with the people in their lives.

In the midst of the 2020 legislative session, your legislators are back home and they want to hear from YOU. Now’s your chance to speak up for kids and families. Find a town hall near you.

The Early Learning Action Alliance invites you to make some noise for the little ones at our first Early Learning Advocacy Day! Join us to Think Babies, stroll the capitol, and advocate for early learning resources for children and families in Washington. We invite you learn about advocacy, take a deep dive on issues such as prenatal services, home visiting, ECEAP, and child care, and rally on

This document explains the "Homeless Grace Period" and the argument for extending it and investing funds to increase early learning opportunities for vulnerable children. View and download (pdf).

This document explains the positive impact of home visiting and outlines how lawmakers can invest state funding to expand the program. View and download (pdf).

This document gives an overview of the Early Learning landscape in Washington state and outlines the ELAA legislative priorities for the 2020 session. View and download (pdf).

 

The Early Learning Action Alliance looks forward to working with state policymakers to achieve the following policies and funding in the 2020 Legislative Session.

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Join us for an energizing and powerful day of action! Including:

Location:

Northwest African American Museum
2300 S. Massachusetts Street
Seattle, Washington 98144

Doors open at 8:30 a.m.; program 9-10:30 a.m.

At Children’s Alliance, we believe every child can thrive in a world rich with opportunity. We partner with public officials, parents and community leaders to create strategies that help kids overcome the barriers of racism and poverty.

Affordable, high-quality child care is out of reach for the majority of Washington families, according to a first-of-its-kind survey of parents statewide. The survey, part of a recent report by the state Department of Commerce’s Child Care Collaborative Task Force, finds that: - 49 percent of Washington parents find it difficult to find, pay for and keep child care; - 27 percent quit their jobs or left school or training because of a lack of child care; - 9 percent were fired or dismissed because of child care issues.

Dental Therapy is working for Washington’s tribal communities. Lawmakers should take action to bring make this provider available statewide. Take action now.