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HOUSE BILL 1678: DENTAL ACCESS FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES
Passing HB 1678 will add dental therapists to the health care team in more areas of the state, bringing care to more children who historically have lacked access to routine oral health care due to their race, family income, or rural location.
KIDS’ HEALTH COVERAGE AT RISK WHEN PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY ENDS
When the public health emergency ends, families using Medicaid will have to prove their eligibility, and thousands of people in Washington, including children on Apple Health for Kids, could lose coverage if they are no longer eligible - or face administrative barriers during the process.
GOVERNOR’S PROPOSED BUDGET INVESTS IN KIDS AND FAMILIES
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.
SUPPORT HEALTH EQUITY FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION
There is no better time to get involved in the legislative process and push our lawmakers to prioritize the health of Washington’s children.
2023 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
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.
THE 2022 LEGISLATIVE SESSION: KIDS AND HEALTH CARE
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.
EXCITING PROGRESS, AND SOME DISAPPOINTMENT, IN 2022 SESSION
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.
STATE BUDGETS SHOW CONTINUED PROGRESS FOR WASHINGTON KIDS
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.
2022 MID-SESSION UPDATE
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.
2022 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
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.
POLICY CHOICES CAN BUILD A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR THE LIFELONG HEALTH OF KIDS
New KIDS COUNT brief highlights benefits of social and economic programs on children’s health beyond the pandemic.
2021 LEGISLATIVE REVIEW
Parents, community leaders and policymakers came together and made historic progress that will help to give all of Washington’s children a great start.