During these sunny summer days, next year’s legislative session may seem far off. But actually, our work to protect kids through the 2011 legislative session starts now.

With a looming gap of $3 billion between Washington’s expected revenue and the needs of the state, Governor Gregoire has launched a planning process for the 2011-2013 budget.

She has asked every state department to answer seven questions about each spending item and make a recommendation for how to cut spending. Question number one: “Is this an essential service?”

The Children’s Alliance wants to make sure that Washington’s values are not lost in the budget planning process. And we’re not alone. Children’s Alliance executive director, Paola Maranan, and Ingrid McDonald, advocacy director for AARP Washington, teamed up in this Seattle Times op-ed to send lawmakers a message: Keep Washington’s values at the core of the budget debate.

Our Federal Government handles many pressing issues – from foreign affairs to the environment to the economy. So where do kids fit into the picture? And what does that Washington have to do with what happens in Washington state?

The answer is a lot, which is why we sent our federal staffer to Washington D.C. last week to advocate for kids. What happens in the halls of Congress helps shape what programs are and aren’t funded in our state.

In this edition, you’ll read an Op-Ed co-authored by Paola Maranan, executive director of the Children’s Alliance, and Ingrid McDonald, advocacy director of AARP Washington, who sent a joint message to Governor Gregoire and other state lawmakers: Keep Washington’s values at the core of the budget debate. You’ll also find articles and opinions discussing ideas on how to address a projected $3 billion gap in next year’s budget. 

Opinion: The values in Washington state's budget | Seattle Times I 07-21-2010

As advocates for some of our long-standing shared priorities, such as caring for children and seniors, we hope that during this process, policymakers will be guided by our state's values — that we will protect priorities like education, health care and looking out for those struggling in this economy.

Opinion: Efficiency isn't the best way to evaluate government I Seattle PostGlobe I 07-21-2010

As the recession continues bumping along, tax receipts are continuing to fall behind what's needed to sustain public investments in education, health care and public safety. The governor has responded with a call for "transforming Washington's budget." As this "transforming" process heats up, we'll no doubt hear a lot about making government more "efficient," like the private sector. And that should raise a big red flag, because an economist would tell you that efficiency isn't really what you want to measure when it comes to governing well.

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In this edition, you’ll read about kids’ limited options for learning and meal programs this summer. Studies show that summer food and summer learning are linked to student achievement. You’ll also find articles on how taxing soda shrinks obesity and on France’s standard of offering preschool to all children – a standard President Obama supports.

Learning and nutrition opportunities limited in summer months I Tu Decides I 07-08-2010

In the smallest Washington towns, learning and nutrition opportunities are usually available to students during the school year but not during the summer months. “The reasons why children cannot participate in summer programs are varied. Most children that qualify for these programs come from families with very low incomes, which forces both parents to work outside the home,” says Mariela Rosas, Child Mentor Coordinator for the Children’s Home Society of Washington.

USDA: Taxing soda reduces obesity I Horse's Ass I 07-07-2010

Why are Coke, Pepsi and the rest of the beverage industry spending millions of dollars to repeal Washington’s temporary two-cent per 12-ounce serving excise tax on carbonated beverages? Because, as this new USDA study confirms, raising taxes on sugary beverages does indeed decrease consumption.

French Preschools Aim To Please Toddlers, Moms I NPR I 07-06-2010

President Obama wants to make preschool available to every child in the United States. In Europe, universal preschool is a pillar of society, allowing women to work and kids to be socialized. In France, children start school at age 3, and 100 percent of three, four and five-year-olds attend preschool. So everyone starts first grade on an equal footing.

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In this edition you can find several news updates on the connections between our statewide policies in early learning and kids' health and what happens (or doesn't happen) in the other Washington.  And you'll find several updates on statewide ballot initiatives on tax policy. Children's Alliance Deputy Director Jon Gould brings the perspective of kids' advocates to an article reporting that the American Beverage Association-backed attack on the candy and soda tax will likely make it to the ballot.

In this edition, you’ll read about a new report showing that despite rising childhood hunger in the summer, there are fewer summer meal sites available for children in Washington State. Linda Stone, Senior Food Policy Coordinator at Children’s Alliance, explains how fewer resources to offer summer schools and recreation programs are also cutting down access to summer meals. You’ll also find an article celebrating the reunification of families involved in the foster care system that features the work of two recent Children's Alliance Voices for Children Awardees.