Governor Inslee's proposed 2023-25 budget was released on December 14 and it contained a robust set of proposals to support Washington’s children and families.

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

Here in Washington, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated longstanding inequities faced by kids and families in communities of color. Access to health care, high-quality early experiences for children ages birth to 5, and progressive revenue are promising strategies to ensure that every child has an abundance of what they need to grow up into the people they dream of becoming.

What were the major achievements in health care? Policy-wise, the legislature established birth doulas as a new licensed health profession in Washington state, helping grant Medicaid reimbursement for delivery of babies with the assistance of doulas and addressing racial and income inequality for birthing persons.

Despite its short length, this legislative session bore significant victories for kids and families. And for the second year in a row, advocates from across the state were able to make their voices heard in Olympia by signing in to support or oppose bills and give testimony remotely. We hope to see the legislature continue this increased accessibility in the years to come, so that even more Washingtonians can participate in the process.

The House and Senate released their budgets earlier this week. Overall, we were pleased to see many of our priorities reflected in both budgets, which will result in positive impacts for our state’s children and families.

The 2022 legislative session is progressing fast, we’re already past the halfway point! Here’s an update on some of our top priority bills.

We believe in the potential of every child. But all too often, poverty, racism and the pandemic are putting opportunity out of reach.

Our legislative agenda seeks to protect kids, remove barriers and create pathways to success—so that Washington’s children and families stay strong, no matter what challenges we face.

New KIDS COUNT brief highlights benefits of social and economic programs on children’s health beyond the pandemic.

Parents, community leaders and policymakers came together and made historic progress that will help to give all of Washington’s children a great start.