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2024 LEGISLATIVE REPORT: WHAT DID LAWMAKERS DO FOR KIDS?
We made important steps forward this legislative session, particularly in the areas of youth behavioral health and child care affordability. Read our full report to learn about the progress of all of our top priority legislation.
WE’RE IN THE LAST WEEK OF THE 2024 LEGISLATIVE SESSION!
Session is wrapping up, and bills are starting to reach the finish line. We are excited to highlight some of the significant bills that passed the Legislature in 2024.
HUNDREDS GATHER IN OLYMPIA TO TELL LAWMAKERS TO HAVE A HEART FOR KIDS
In the early hours of the morning of February 15, with a blanket of unexpected snow on the ground, hundreds of advocates from across Washington made their way to our state capital for Have a Heart for Kids Day.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION 2024: MID-SESSION RECAP
We are midway through the 2024 legislative session! Our policy team provide an update on the status of our priority bills.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION 2024: WEEK 2 RECAP
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.
WE WILL NOT LET GREED JEOPARDIZE OUR CHILDREN’S FUTURES
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.
OUR 2024 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
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.
OUR STATE PREDICTS AN INCREASE IN REVENUE, BUT IT’S NOT ENOUGH TO SUPPORT CRITICAL NEEDS FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES
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.
A CHANCE ENCOUNTER LEADS TO LIFE-CHANGING PROTECTIONS FOR WASHINGTON YOUTH
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.
2023 ANNUAL REPORT: CELEBRATING OUR PROGRESS AND PARTNERS
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.
A LEGACY ROOTED IN VALUES
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.
REFLECTING ON THE PARTNERSHIP FOR AMERICA’S CHILDREN RETREAT: WHY WE MUST BE BOLD IN WASHINGTON STATE
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.
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH REMAINS A TOP CONCERN FOR CHILDREN'S ALLIANCE MEMBERS
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.
SWELTERING IN SEATTLE: HEATWAVE UNDERSCORES VICE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE ON CLIMATE CHANGE
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.
ANNOUNCING OUR 2023 CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN
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.
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.