OUR 2026 LEGISLATIVE REPORT: HOW DID OUR ADVOCACY IMPACT KIDS & FAMILIES?

Children’s Alliance is proud to have worked alongside many powerful advocates and partners to create positive change for kids and families this session. Even in a second consecutive year of major budget shortfalls, the 2026 session reaffirmed what’s possible when we come together and fight for our kids.

As a result of our collective advocacy:

• More families will retain access to child care because the budget includes no caps, waiting lists, or changes in current eligibility for the Working Connections Child Care subsidy program.

• More of our immigrant neighbors will have access to health insurance through Apple Health Expansion, with 5,000 new slots funded.

• Our state will have a clearer path to getting young people quality behavioral health care when and where they need it because lawmakers codified Washington Thriving as our statewide strategic plan.

• More providers will receive timely, reliable behavioral health consultation through restored funding for the Partnership Access Line program.

• More of Washington’s resources will be available to support families through early learning investments, sales tax exemptions for essential goods, and progress toward free school meals — all made possible by the Millionaires Tax legislation.

Check out our full report to learn more about our legislative successes and advocacy efforts!