Legislative Agendas

We believe in the potential of every child. The challenges of racism, recession and pandemic pose acute threats to our children’s future—but we can meet them, together.

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.

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.

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.

2018-19 ANNUAL POLICY CAMPAIGN GOALS
Adopted at the July 11, 2018 Board of Directors meeting (PDF)

Read our legislative agenda in English.

Lea nuestra agenda legislativa en Español.

We believe in the potential of every child. Poverty and racism erode kids’ opportunities. Our legislative agenda reflects smart public policies that remove barriers and create opportunity—so all kids can thrive.

End Childhood Hunger

Here in Washington, one in five children lives in a household that doesn’t have enough to eat. Childhood food insecurity disproportionately impacts children of color, and it undermines a child’s educational progress. Fight childhood hunger, including strategies to increase family economic security such as restoring Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

Invest in Early Learning

High quality early learning lays a foundation for a strong future. But too many young children don’t get a chance to build the fundamental brain architecture that allows them to thrive in school and in life.

Convened by the Children's Alliance, members of the Early Learning Action Alliance (ELAA) are united by the belief that all children in Washington state deserve to have the opportunities and support they need in their first five years of life to be prepared for school and a bright future.

The Children's Alliance agenda for the 2014 state legislature identifies four priorities that build a stronger Washington for our kids. Click here to view our legislative agenda.

Nuestra 2013 agenda legislativa piede que legisladores:

• Combatir el hambre infantil;
• Invertir en la educación temprana;
• Fortalecer a Apple Health for Kids;
• Expandir el acceso al cuidado dental;
• Poner un alto a los recortes e incremente el ingreso.

Lea nuestra agenda legislativa.

Our 2013 legislative agenda calls on legislators to:

• Invest in early learning;
• Strengthen Apple Health for Kids;
• Expand access to dental care;
• Stop cuts and raise revenue.

Read our legislative agenda / en Español.

Our 2012 legislative agenda calls on lawmakers to:

• Protect Apple Health for Kids and State Food Assistance;
• Reject further budget cuts that hurt low-income families and children of color;
• Improve health with a licensed dental practitioner;
• Close the opportunity gap with early learning;
• Raise revenue to protect our future.

Download and print our 2012 legislative agenda.

Nuestro Agenda Legislativa para la sesion especial en Olympia este diciembre incluye lo siguiendo:

Mantengamonos fuertes para los niños! Nuestra agenda legislativa de 2011 describe las prioridades legislativas de la Alianze para los Ninos en la sesion legislative de 2011. Incluya protegiendo programas que apoyan todas las families, y especialmente las familias inmigrantes.

Lee la agenda legislativa

Vea este documento en Ingles

The Early Learning Action Alliance recognizes that federal laws and policies have a direct impact on the opportunities young learners have in Washington State.

Read our federal legislative agenda for 2010.

Read about the Early Learning Action Alliance Coalition's Positions on the 2009-2011 Supplemental Budget

Kids who rely on school meals during the school year often go without
the nutrition they need during the summer months. A small, up-front investment can draw millions in federal funds to help curb summer hunger for Washington kids. By chipping in $250,000, the state could leverage up to $4 million in federal funds to expand summer meal sites in a dozen communities across Washington.

Read about our 2010 state legislative priority in childhood hunger.

The Early Learning Action Alliance 2010 Legislative Agenda outlines priorities for our state's youngest learners.

Read the ELAA Legislative Agenda.