Congressional Republicans recently introduced the Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act (KIDS Act), H.R. 7757, which purportedly aims to protect youth from the harms of addictive online platforms and artificial intelligence (AI). In reality, the KIDS Act would undermine protections for youth online and insulate Big Tech from taking accountability for the harms caused by their products. 

The 2026 Legislative Session came to a close last week. Children’s Alliance is proud to have worked alongside many powerful advocates and partners to create positive change for kids and families this session.

The three new data briefs focus on some of the most pressing issues children’s health advocates are faced with today. By providing accessible data we aim to equip advocates, policymakers, and community leaders with the information they need to pursue equitable, impactful change.  

Congress is currently considering a budget reconciliation bill that proposes $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid. We spoke to Ari from Spokane, a Medicaid enrollee worried that they may lose access to vital care if the program is cut.

New legislation was introduced this week to help address the youth behavioral health crisis. HB 2038 would establish the Youth Behavioral Health Account and fund it with a 0.4% tax on the gross income of social media platforms.

Children’s Alliance collaborated with the State Attorney General’s Office and Representative Lisa Callan to introduce legislation which will hold digital media companies accountable for creating a safer online environment for kids.

Dr. Stephan Blanford, Senator Noel Frame, Representative Lisa Callan, and Reid Saaris discuss policy solutions to address the youth behavioral health crisis.

Exploring the expansion, improvement, and promotion of school-based behavioral health solutions to address the youth behavioral health crisis.

Our new report offers an updated look at opportunities for breakthrough progress in Washington's adolescent mental health crisis.

As part of our work to address the youth mental health crisis, we recently sent a letter to Senator Cantwell in support of legislation to empower parents to make decisions about how their children use social media and the internet.

To meet the ever-evolving needs of communities and guarantee essential services, our state needs to generate revenue. Based on recent reporting, this means the state must pursue and secure more progressive sources of revenue going forward.

Last month, Children’s Alliance conducted our annual member survey. It was a chance for community members, partners, and advocates that support the work of Children’s Alliance to weigh in on the issues that matter most to them, and for us to gather vital community input.

By expanding successful local, state, and international initiatives, we estimate that Washington could address the majority of its youth care gap within a year or so, at an estimated cost of $25 million.

There is no better time to get involved in the legislative process and push our lawmakers to prioritize the health of Washington’s children.