Dear Friend,
We believe in the potential of every child. Poverty and racism erode kids’ opportunities.
Our legislative agenda this year gives state lawmakers concrete opportunities to protect our kids, and make kids' lives better. Today is day five of a fast-paced 60-day legislative session. Together over the coming days and weeks, we can make these good ideas a reality for Washington State's kids.
Here are our 4 priorities:
Early Learning
Every Washington child should have access to high-quality early learning. The state’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) preschool helps kids have a great childhood, and improves outcomes in school and life. Yet tens of thousands of families are left behind due to narrow eligibility. We call on state lawmakers to expand ECEAP eligibility to families with incomes up to 185% of the federal poverty level: Pass House Bill 2659.
Is high-quality Pre-K and ECEAP important to you? Tell us why!
Family and Community Health
Kids do better when the adults in their lives have access to health care. For thousands of Washingtonians from three Pacific Island nations—the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau— basic health coverage is out of reach. We call on state lawmakers to promote children’s health by enabling parents and adults to purchase coverage through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange: Pass House Bill 1291/Senate Bill 5683.
Want to know more? Read how one community in Spokane is organizing and sharing stories to win better health care and improve families' lives.
Children’s Health
Healthy children do better in school and in life. Every child needs consistent health care. Congress’ failure to reauthorize the funding from the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) jeopardizes health services for children and pregnant women. We call on lawmakers to preserve Apple Health for Kids so no children or pregnant women lose coverage: Pass House Bill 2660/Senate Bill 3604.
Does Apple Health for Kids matter to you?: Tell us why! (Many thanks to everyone who already answered this survey. if you already completed it, please share with someone you know!)
Revenue
State investments in the well-being of our youngest generation create a brighter future for us all. The legislature must ensure that sustainable revenue increases children’s access to opportunity. We call on lawmakers to close wasteful tax breaks and adopt new sources of revenue.
You can also read and download our Legislative Agenda at our website. It's also available in Spanish.
What's next?
- Keep your eyes on your inbox for our first action alert of the session next week.
- Connect with us at our website and on Facebook and Twitter.
- Join hundreds of parents, grandparents and advocates for kids for an inspiring day of advocacy at the Capitol on February 8th at Have a Heart for Kids Day! Learn more and sign up!
Thank you for speaking up for kids.
Sincerely,
Jon
Jon Gould
Deputy Director
P.S. Did you know that you can get great information as an advocate at www.leg.wa.gov? You can find your legislators, read a bill and track its progress through the legislative process, learn what is on the agenda for a legislative committee and more! It's a great tool for advocates.
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