One year ago, President Obama signed the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA). Gov. Chris Gregoire was in the room, and since then, our state leaders have reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to covering all kids.

Over the past year, about 2.6 million more children nationwide – tens of thousands of them in Washington state – got health coverage through CHIP or Medicaid.

In this edition you'll read about a coalition of advocates leading the charge to convince lawmakers to come up with new sources for revenue to maintain vital state services. You'll also read about head start slots created by last year's federal stimulus package and how the Obama administration has yet to live up to its pledge to create green jobs for low-income workers.

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In this edition you'll find stories about President Obama's proposed budget, which would send $435 million in aid to Washington state, and how Gov. Chris Gregoire plans to use the money, as well as other strategies to temper deep cuts with new revenue. You'll also find stories about cuts state lawmakers are considering for Working Connections Child Care and a new report that shows hunger is on the rise in Washington state.

Washington state lawmakers are considering a massive cut to the state’s Working Connections Child Care program. Losing this subsidy would be devastating to thousands of parents who are working hard to lift their families out of poverty. It could force them to quit their jobs or stop looking for work.

In this edition, you'll find stories and editorials about continued efforts to balance the state budget, including how Oregon voters’ approval of a tax hike has given some Washington lawmakers hope that they’ll be able to raise new revenue to protect vital state services.

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