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2023 ANNUAL REPORT: CELEBRATING OUR PROGRESS AND PARTNERS
Our 2022-2023 Progress Report highlights key victories from the 2023 legislative session and features stories from invaluable partners who helped us make a difference for Washington kids.
A LEGACY ROOTED IN VALUES
Longtime Children’s Alliance donor, Steve Lansing describes the history of his involvement with the organization and why he chose to make a legacy gift.
REFLECTING ON THE PARTNERSHIP FOR AMERICA’S CHILDREN RETREAT: WHY WE MUST BE BOLD IN WASHINGTON STATE
Dr. Stephan Blanford recently traveled to Baltimore to connect with executive directors of statewide child advocacy organizations from across the country and learn from each other’s experiences.
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH REMAINS A TOP CONCERN FOR CHILDREN'S ALLIANCE MEMBERS
Last month, Children’s Alliance conducted our annual member survey. It was a chance for community members, partners, and advocates that support the work of Children’s Alliance to weigh in on the issues that matter most to them, and for us to gather vital community input.
SWELTERING IN SEATTLE: HEATWAVE UNDERSCORES VICE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Children's Alliance was honored to be among the special guests for Vice President Kamala Harris' visit to Seattle and the McKinstry Innovation Center, where our office is located. Dr. Stephan Blanford shares his thoughts on the event and its focus on the climate crisis.
ANNOUNCING OUR 2023 CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN
Champions for Children are state lawmakers recognized by Children’s Alliance for their outstanding service on behalf of children. This year, we recognized 11 lawmakers whose leadership has been critical in winning policies and investments for kids and families.
OUR NEW REPORT IDENTIFIES PROMISING SOLUTIONS TO WASHINGTON’S YOUTH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS
By expanding successful local, state, and international initiatives, we estimate that Washington could address the majority of its youth care gap within a year or so, at an estimated cost of $25 million.
NEW DATA REVEALS WA FAMILIES ARE STRUGGLING TO AFFORD CHILD CARE. RECENT LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS COULD HELP
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.
2023 LEGISLATIVE REPORT: SIGNIFICANT WINS FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES
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.
STATE BUDGET BOOSTS FUNDING FOR CHILDREN’S HEALTH AND EARLY LEARNING
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.
A WIN FOR COMMUNITY-BASED ORAL HEALTH CARE
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.
WE’RE FOLLOWING THE LEAD OF SURVIVORS TO BAN FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION IN WASHINGTON
Washington is making strong headway to enact comprehensive FGM/C legislation that is long overdue.
BUDGET PROPOSALS PROMISE STRONG INVESTMENTS
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.
BIG WIN FOR WASHINGTON KIDS AND FAMILIES! COURT UPHOLDS CAPITAL GAINS TAX
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.
TRANSITION TO KINDERGARTEN: OUR POSITION ON HOUSE BILL 1550
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.
HOUSE BILL 1678: DENTAL ACCESS FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES
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.
CAPITAL GAINS TAX UPDATE: SUPREME COURT SHOULD PRIORITIZE OUR KIDS’ FUTURES
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.
KIDS’ HEALTH COVERAGE AT RISK WHEN PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY ENDS
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’S PROPOSED BUDGET INVESTS IN KIDS AND FAMILIES
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.
SUPPORT HEALTH EQUITY FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION
There is no better time to get involved in the legislative process and push our lawmakers to prioritize the health of Washington’s children.