Have a Heart for Kids Day is your day to speak up for kids. Right now, your voice matters. Join hundreds of child, youth, and family advocates from across Washington state and speak up for kids!
Proposed cuts in the state budget slash entire programs that kids’ need to be safe, healthy and succeed. Take action! The I'm Counting On You! Virtual Rally is happening now.
You can print and share this flyer - also available in spanish.
There are three ways you can join the rally:
Option 1: Add your picture
Take a photo of yourself – or take a photo of your kid(s) (with or without you in it) holding a sign that says “I’m counting on you”. You can make your own sign or download and print this one.
E-mail your picture to us. In your e-mail include the following: Your name and the city or town you live in, if you want that information included. By sending in your picture you are agreeing that we can post it on our website as part of the “I’m Counting On You” virtual rally.
The Children's Alliance 2009 Legislative Agenda lays out our top priorities in this tough legislative session.
You are invited to join with parents and advocates in Walla Walla to learn what's at stake for kids in the state budget, share how your family is affected by the recession and budget cuts, and find out how you can take action for kids and families.
Legislators will return to Olympia for a special session to balance the budget starting November 28th. Our elected leaders are considering drastic cuts that could undo decades of progress, slam shut doors of opportunity,
and leave kids and families on a path toward terrible losses.
Join with advocates for kids in Spokane to power up for the coming legislative session.
You are invited to join Children's Alliance members, Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, and state lawmakers from your area for a discussion about the needs of kids and families during these tough times.
The Spokesman Review published an article about dramatic cuts being proposed to the successful Apple Health for Kids program. Children's Alliance Deputy Director Jon Gould was quoted:
The Yakima Herald-Republic ran a story today that used census numbers analyzed by Lori Pfingst at Washington Kids Count as a basis for examing the high uninsurance rate for kids in Yakima County, which stands at 26.6 percent according to data collected last year.
Sunday's Seattle Times featured a cover story about the devastating cuts to the kids' health coverage. Sarah's McIntyre's family thought their struggles with health coverage were over when they signed up for Apple Health for Kids - but coverage for families in their income bracket was suspended just days before it was supposed to start.
With the economy in decline and the demand for services skyrocketing, members of the Anti-Hunger and Nutrition Coalition reacted to the Governor’s 2009-11 operating budget with concern.
The Children’s Alliance today released the following statement in response to Governor Chris Gregoire’s proposed budget cuts:
“Cuts in the governor’s proposed budget yank the safety net out from under hundreds of thousands of children around Washington State,” said Jon Gould, Deputy Director of the Children’s Alliance. “Without a more creative approach—one that looks at increasing revenue through closing loopholes and other means—children and families in our state will suffer. Now more than ever children and families need the economic stability and support that programs like Apple Health for Kids, child care subsidies and food stamps provide. We look to our legislators to show the vision being demonstrated by president-elect Barack Obama who is investing in families to bring our nation out of the economic difficulties we now face.”
On December 11th eighty-five advocates for kids packed the Native Project conference room to hear from Spokane area legislative leaders - including Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown. Advocates heard grim predictions about the impact of the economic crisis on kids and families. At the same time the advocates present reaffirmed a strong commitment to protect kids - especially during tough times. Thanks to all who participated, and especially to the Native Project for hosting.