Save the Children Action Network Opposes I-645 Over Child Care Impact

Save the Children Action Network Announces Opposition to I-645, Citing Impact on Childcare and Working Families

SEATTLE, Wash. (September 17, 2026) — Today, Save the Children Action Network (SCAN), the political voice for children, announced its opposition to Initiative 645 (I-645), a measure on Washington’s November 3 general election ballot that would repeal the state’s recently enacted tax on individual income above $1 million and prohibit state and local taxes on individual income.  

Repealing the newly passed tax would have serious implications for Washington’s children and families, particularly due to the loss of dedicated funding for childcare and early learning. 

The passage of I-645 would result in continued cuts to childcare and early learning programs and would eliminate free school meals for many Washington students. I-645 would also lead to increased taxes on small businesses, the Working Families Tax Credit, and essentials like diapers and over-the-counter medicine.  

“Washington families are already navigating the enormous costs of raising children, finding reliable childcare and making ends meet,” said SCAN Washington State Manager Natasha Fecteau Minger. “We must protect and strengthen investments that help children get a strong start and allow parents to work. That’s why SCAN is opposing Initiative 645.” 

SCAN’s position is part of its broader work to ensure that children have access to quality early learning and that families have the support they need to give children a strong start. In 2024, SCAN was part of an advocacy coalition that helped to defeat I-2109, a ballot initiative that would have gutted early learning across the state. 

“Washington’s budget crisis has disproportionately affected young children, and the Millionaires Tax gives us the opportunity to reverse previous damaging budget cuts. Voters must reject I-645 this November to protect kids and families,” Fecteau Minger said. “Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive, regardless of their family’s income or ZIP code.” 

SCAN will continue working with advocacy partners, early learning providers, families, educators and policymakers to elevate children’s needs in discussions about Washington’s budget, tax policy and investments in early childhood. 

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Save the Children Action Network (SCAN) was created in 2014 as the political advocacy arm of Save the Children, to be the political voice for kids. We work to ensure that issues critical to children’s lives and futures are given top priority by elected leaders, building support to make sure every child has a strong start in life. 

Learn more about SCAN at savethechildrenactionnetwork.org⁠. 

Paid for by No on 645. 401 2nd Ave S, Suite 303, Seattle, WA 98104. Top 5 Contributors: Washington Education Association, Washington Federation of State Employees, SEIU 775 Ballot Fund, SEIU Initiative Fund. Top 3 Donors to PAC: SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, PSE SEIU 1948, SEIU Local 925.

Media Contact: media@savechildren.org