The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2023 KIDS COUNT Data Book was released today and revealed that Washington state ranks 16th in the nation for overall child well-being, slipping down one spot from 2022.

We have much to celebrate at the close of the 2023 legislative session. Together with our members and partners, we achieved significant wins on youth mental health, oral health care, child care and much more.

Over the weekend, the Washington legislature unveiled a new, two-year state budget that boosts funding for a variety of programs that will positively impact Washington’s children and families.

State lawmakers have passed House Bill 1678 and authorized the expansion of dental therapy in Washington state. This legislation will increase dental access for kids in communities where care is most out of reach.

Washington is making strong headway to enact comprehensive FGM/C legislation that is long overdue.

The state House and Senate released their budget proposals for the 2023-25 biennium and Children’s Alliance was pleased to see positive investments in kids, families and racial equity in each of them.

Children and families across the state have cause to celebrate today: The Washington State Supreme Court has ruled that the capital gains excise tax is constitutionally valid.

As we envision expanding and improving Transition to Kindergarten (TTK) classrooms, we also value protecting families’ present access to this program. Current TK classrooms should continue to operate as they prepare to become TTK classrooms.

Passing HB 1678 will add dental therapists to the health care team in more areas of the state, bringing care to more children who historically have lacked access to routine oral health care due to their race, family income, or rural location.

Dr. Stephan Blanford provides an update on Quinn v. State of Washington, the case that will decide the fate of the capital gains tax, after attending the Supreme Court hearing on January 26.

When the public health emergency ends, families using Medicaid will have to prove their eligibility, and thousands of people in Washington, including children on Apple Health for Kids, could lose coverage if they are no longer eligible - or face administrative barriers during the process.

Governor Inslee's proposed 2023-25 budget was released on December 14 and it contained a robust set of proposals to support Washington’s children and families.

There is no better time to get involved in the legislative process and push our lawmakers to prioritize the health of Washington’s children.

We have an opportunity this 2023 legislative session to ensure all families have access to high quality early learning programs.

Here in Washington, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated longstanding inequities faced by kids and families in communities of color. Access to health care, high-quality early experiences for children ages birth to 5, and progressive revenue are promising strategies to ensure that every child has an abundance of what they need to grow up into the people they dream of becoming.

Our 2021-2022 Progress Report features a review of the 2022 legislative session and insights from our leadership about what lies ahead for Children’s Alliance in 2023.

“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.