We are midway through the 2024 legislative session! Our policy team provide an update on the status of our priority bills.

Week two of the 2024 legislative session is at an end. Here’s a quick recap of the progress some of our top priority bills have made so far.

Our state’s capital gains tax has raised more revenue than expected to fund schools and early learning. However, a small group of ultra-wealthy individuals have decided that our children are not worth their dollars, and have filed an initiative to repeal the tax.

At Children’s Alliance, we see a future in which all of Washington's children have an abundance of what they need to grow up to be the people they dream of becoming.  Our 2024 legislative agenda highlights our policy priorities in our three primary issue areas: early learning, health equity, and economic justice.

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.

Absa Samba, MPA candidate at the UW Evans School and advocate for survivors of, and those at risk from, female genital mutilation/cutting, reflects on her experience working to pass Senate Bill 5453.

Our 2022-2023 Progress Report highlights key victories from the 2023 legislative session and features stories from invaluable partners who helped us make a difference for Washington kids.

Longtime Children’s Alliance donor, Steve Lansing describes the history of his involvement with the organization and why he chose to make a legacy gift.

Dr. Stephan Blanford recently traveled to Baltimore to connect with executive directors of statewide child advocacy organizations from across the country and learn from each other’s experiences.

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.

Children's Alliance was honored to be among the special guests for Vice President Kamala Harris' visit to Seattle and the McKinstry Innovation Center, where our office is located. Dr. Stephan Blanford shares his thoughts on the event and its focus on the climate crisis.

Champions for Children are state lawmakers recognized by Children’s Alliance for their outstanding service on behalf of children. This year, we recognized 11 lawmakers whose leadership has been critical in winning policies and investments for kids and families.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Washington is making strong headway to enact comprehensive FGM/C legislation that is long overdue.

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.

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.