Taking place amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 legislative session was like no other. While conducting the session remotely presented many challenges, it also made participation in the legislative process more accessible than ever before. Advocates from across the state were able to make their voices heard by signing in to support bills or testifying directly from their homes.
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)
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.
The Children’s Alliance creates our annual Legislative Agenda with the aid of a racial equity policy analysis, so that our efforts address disparities facing children and families in communities of color.
Early Learning
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:
Our 2013 legislative agenda calls on legislators to:
Our 2012 legislative agenda calls on lawmakers to:
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.
The Early Learning Action Alliance recognizes that federal laws and policies have a direct impact on the opportunities young learners have in Washington State.
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.