Washington State Legislative Session Wrap-Up

Statement

(WASHINGTON STATE) – As Washington State’s legislative session comes to a close, Save the Children Action Network (SCAN) recognizes important progress for children and families—while underscoring the urgent need to protect and strengthen early learning investments. 

In a challenging budget year, lawmakers took a meaningful step forward by advancing new funding for early learning through the Millionaire’s Tax proposal, including a dedicated 5% allocation to support early childhood programs. This represents a critical move toward more stable, long-term funding that helps children thrive and enables parents to participate in the workforce. 

At the same time, advocates successfully pushed back against a harmful proposal that would have capped access to the Working Connections Child Care program—protecting thousands of families from losing the child care support they rely on. However, significant concerns remain. Proposed policy changes that reduce payments to child care providers threaten the stability of an already fragile system, risking classroom closures and reduced access for families across the state. 

“We’re encouraged to see lawmakers take steps to prioritize early learning, especially by dedicating new revenue to these critical programs,” said Lacey Daniell-Miller, Senior Director of State & Electoral Campaigns, Western Region at Save the Children Action Network. “At the same time, cuts to child care providers could undermine that progress. Washington families need a child care system they can count on—one that is affordable, reliable, and supported by sustained investment.” 

High-quality child care is essential to strong communities and a healthy economy. Continued investment in early learning will ensure that children have the opportunity to succeed, families can remain in the workforce, and Washington’s economy can grow. 

SCAN remains committed to working with lawmakers and partners to protect and expand access to early learning opportunities for all children in Washington. 

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Contact: Melissa Taveras, Senior Advisor External Relations and Public Affairs at mtaveras@savechildren.org.

Save the Children Action Network advocates programs that benefit children and hardworking families, both in the United States and globally. We will continue working with leaders on both sides of the aisle to protect and strengthen investments in children, ensuring that every child, no matter where they live, has the chance to reach their full potential. 

Learn more about SCAN here: https://savethechildrenactionnetwork.org/