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OUR NEW REPORT IDENTIFIES PROMISING SOLUTIONS TO WASHINGTON’S YOUTH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS
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.
NEW DATA REVEALS WA FAMILIES ARE STRUGGLING TO AFFORD CHILD CARE. RECENT LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS COULD HELP
The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2023 KIDS COUNT Data Book was released today and revealed that Washington state ranks 16th in the nation for overall child well-being, slipping down one spot from 2022.
2023 LEGISLATIVE REPORT: SIGNIFICANT WINS FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES
We have much to celebrate at the close of the 2023 legislative session. Together with our members and partners, we achieved significant wins on youth mental health, oral health care, child care and much more.
STATE BUDGET BOOSTS FUNDING FOR CHILDREN’S HEALTH AND EARLY LEARNING
Over the weekend, the Washington legislature unveiled a new, two-year state budget that boosts funding for a variety of programs that will positively impact Washington’s children and families.
A WIN FOR COMMUNITY-BASED ORAL HEALTH CARE
State lawmakers have passed House Bill 1678 and authorized the expansion of dental therapy in Washington state. This legislation will increase dental access for kids in communities where care is most out of reach.
WE’RE FOLLOWING THE LEAD OF SURVIVORS TO BAN FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION IN WASHINGTON
Washington is making strong headway to enact comprehensive FGM/C legislation that is long overdue.
BUDGET PROPOSALS PROMISE STRONG INVESTMENTS
The state House and Senate released their budget proposals for the 2023-25 biennium and Children’s Alliance was pleased to see positive investments in kids, families and racial equity in each of them.
BIG WIN FOR WASHINGTON KIDS AND FAMILIES! COURT UPHOLDS CAPITAL GAINS TAX
Children and families across the state have cause to celebrate today: The Washington State Supreme Court has ruled that the capital gains excise tax is constitutionally valid.
TRANSITION TO KINDERGARTEN: OUR POSITION ON HOUSE BILL 1550
As we envision expanding and improving Transition to Kindergarten (TTK) classrooms, we also value protecting families’ present access to this program. Current TK classrooms should continue to operate as they prepare to become TTK classrooms.
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.
CAPITAL GAINS TAX UPDATE: SUPREME COURT SHOULD PRIORITIZE OUR KIDS’ FUTURES
Dr. Stephan Blanford provides an update on Quinn v. State of Washington, the case that will decide the fate of the capital gains tax, after attending the Supreme Court hearing on January 26.
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.
EXPAND ACCESS TO QUALITY EARLY LEARNING FOR ALL FAMILIES
We have an opportunity this 2023 legislative session to ensure all families have access to high quality early learning programs.
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.
PROGRESS REPORT 2021 - 2022: A YEAR IN REVIEW
Our 2021-2022 Progress Report features a review of the 2022 legislative session and insights from our leadership about what lies ahead for Children’s Alliance in 2023.
MAKING SURE “EVERY SINGLE FAMILY, EVERY SINGLE CHILD” HAS A STRONG PATH FORWARD
“We can really change the course of history in Washington state.” These powerful words from Representative Noel Frame epitomize the message we heard at Path Forward 2022.
WE ASKED ABOUT THE ISSUES THAT MATTER TO YOU. HERE’S WHAT WE HEARD
As we prepare for the 2023 legislative session, Children’s Alliance is strengthening our capacity to deliver relevant and up-to-date information on the most important issues facing children and families in our state.
CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN 2022
Champions for Children are state lawmakers recognized by Children’s Alliance for their work to further our annual legislative agenda. Each of the following legislators provided significant leadership during the 2022 legislative session in advancing state policies or investments to improve the well-being of children in Washington.