2024 LEGISLATIVE REPORT: WHAT DID LAWMAKERS DO FOR KIDS?

By Dr. Stephan Blanford

Looking back over the 60 days of the 2024 legislative session, I am impressed and heartened by what we were able to achieve together in such a short period of time. Coming into this session, the youth behavioral health crisis was at the front of my mind. With evidence that nearly two out of three (64%) young people need care but are unable to access it, Children's Alliance made this issue one of our top priorities. I am extremely pleased that two bills, HB 1946 and HB 2247, which will help expand and diversify the behavioral health workforce, passed the Legislature this session. Although there is so much more to be done to address the behavioral health crisis facing young Washingtonians, I am optimistic that we can build upon this year’s progress in 2025.

None of the progress we’ve made during this session could have happened without the hard work of advocates from every corner of the state. And it was inspiring to witness the power of that advocacy demonstrated at our first in-person Have a Heart for Kids Day in four years! The sight of hundreds of kids and families standing on the snowy Capitol steps after meeting with their representatives, was the clearest demonstration of the power of collective action on behalf of children.

We will need to build on that power in the coming months as we engage in the fight to defend our state’s capital gains tax. Children’s Alliance led the effort with partners and progressive revenue advocates to pass the tax in 2021 and it has since become a crucial source of funding for early learning and K-12 education. We refuse to let a small number of greedy, wealthy Washingtonians threaten the future our children deserve.

With elections in November and an ever-improving economic outlook, we are optimistic about the strides our state can make in 2025 and beyond to take care of all of its children. Our movement needs more people like you—people who are passionate about building a better future for children. I hope you will stay engaged and bring others with you to join in our antiracist advocacy for kids.

— Dr. Stephan Blanford