“We can really change the course of history in Washington state.” These powerful words from Representative Noel Frame epitomize the message we heard at Path Forward 2022.

As we prepare for the 2023 legislative session, Children’s Alliance is strengthening our capacity to deliver relevant and up-to-date information on the most important issues facing children and families in our state.

Champions for Children are state lawmakers recognized by Children’s Alliance for their work to further our annual legislative agenda. Each of the following legislators provided significant leadership during the 2022 legislative session in advancing state policies or investments to improve the well-being of children in Washington.

What were the major achievements in health care? Policy-wise, the legislature established birth doulas as a new licensed health profession in Washington state, helping grant Medicaid reimbursement for delivery of babies with the assistance of doulas and addressing racial and income inequality for birthing persons.

What were the major achievements in early learning?This year, our state legislature championed children and families by passing and funding Senate Bill 5793: this is a big win to address the equity gap in who has a voice at the table and who gets to help shape policies and programs that help Washington families thrive.

Despite its short length, this legislative session bore significant victories for kids and families. And for the second year in a row, advocates from across the state were able to make their voices heard in Olympia by signing in to support or oppose bills and give testimony remotely. We hope to see the legislature continue this increased accessibility in the years to come, so that even more Washingtonians can participate in the process.

Yesterday’s news that the Douglas County Superior Court struck down the capital gains tax is a setback for all who've worked tirelessly to fix our upside-down tax code and secure much-needed funding for early learning.

The House and Senate released their budgets earlier this week. Overall, we were pleased to see many of our priorities reflected in both budgets, which will result in positive impacts for our state’s children and families.

The 2022 legislative session is progressing fast, we’re already past the halfway point! Here’s an update on some of our top priority bills.

As we continue through the pandemic, we must address the early learning workforce crisis which impacts child wellbeing and the ability for workers across all industries to continue working.

We believe in the potential of every child. But all too often, poverty, racism and the pandemic are putting opportunity out of reach.

Our legislative agenda seeks to protect kids, remove barriers and create pathways to success—so that Washington’s children and families stay strong, no matter what challenges we face.

This year, the Early Learning Action Alliance recognized 21 lawmakers with Crayon Awards for outstanding leadership in early learning. Their commitment to advancing policies and funding early learning over the last year has been crucial for Washington’s children and families.

New KIDS COUNT brief highlights benefits of social and economic programs on children’s health beyond the pandemic.

This July 1, kids and families across the state should begin to feel the effects of the Fair Start for Kids Act—the historic investment in early learning that state lawmakers passed during the 2021 legislative session.

Champions for Children are state lawmakers recognized by Children’s Alliance for their work to further our annual legislative agenda.

Parents, community leaders and policymakers came together and made historic progress that will help to give all of Washington’s children a great start.

Read Children’s Alliance’s statement in support of Black Lives Matter.