2025 LEGISLATIVE REPORT: PROGRESS IN THE FACE OF SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES
By Dr. Stephan Blanford
The 2025 legislative session was one of the most challenging I have experienced with Children’s Alliance. Not only did we face a $16 billion budget deficit and the threat of cuts to vital programs, but also an incoming federal government pushing anti-child policies in opposition to our core values. As a result, much of the progress we had hoped to make for kids and families this year was impeded. However, the way our advocacy community has pulled together in the face of these significant challenges gives me hope for the future.
Building on the momentum created when 64% of voters approved our state capital gains tax back in November, State Democrats put forward a historic package of progressive revenue bills aimed at making our tax code more equitable. Although the most ambitious measures faced insurmountable opposition from Governor Ferguson, we were encouraged by the energy and enthusiasm for them from advocates and partners across the state. And, in a bold move, Senate leaders voted on and passed the financial intangibles tax (or “wealth tax”) out of their chamber, even though the Governor had preemptively rejected it. This is a strong demonstration of support for the legislation and will allow it to begin its journey in the House next year.
Children’s Alliance stepped up our commitment to tackling the youth behavioral health crisis this year by collaborating with the Attorney General’s Office, Representative Lisa Callan, and Senator Noel Frame to draft and introduce House Bill 1834/Senate Bill 5708. This legislation put forth commonsense measures to hold social media corporations accountable for the harm their platforms can have on youth mental health. The bill made incredible progress in its first year in the Legislature. It was voted out of the Senate with bipartisan support before stalling in the House. We are excited to build on this progress in 2026 and continue to work alongside families with lived experience, behavioral health providers, legal experts, and former tech industry employees who have shared their expertise and experiences in support of this bill.
The 2025 legislative session is over, but our work continues. We will stay strong in our values, protect the progress we have made, and keep fighting for a bright future for all of Washington’s children. It is central to our mission to resist and fight against any actions at the local, state or federal level that would do harm to kids and families, and we hope that you'll join us.