Washington State

Our 2010 Policy Priorities:

Enact a strong reauthorization of the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) that significantly expands access to and improves the quality of childcare funded under the program. For FY2011, we urge Congress to increase CCDBG by $1 billion over FY2010 levels.
Increase discretionary funding for Head Start and Early Head Start by nearly $1 billion for FY2011.
Voluntary early learning for three- and four-year-olds should be included in the State’s definition of basic education to recognize the critical importance of a child’s earliest years to become future employees with the knowledge, skills and abilities businesses need.

Did you know that in Washington State:

1.5 million children (to the age of 18) live in the state;

More than 1 out of every 4 children live in a household with only one parent;

More than 11,400 children participate in the federally-funded Head Start program;

61 percent of eighth graders are below grade level in math;

66 percent of fourth graders are reading below grade level; and

38 percent of high school students do not graduate on time with a high school diploma.

On April 30, The Seattle Times published an op-ed by America’s Edge member Bob Watt asking Senator Patty Murray to consider funding early learning programs to jump-start Washington’s economy. Click here to read the article.

“Given the severe pressure on our state budget, it makes sense to invest our limited funds in programs that will help jump-start our economy and provide the greatest return on investment.”

–Larry Schorno, President, Schorno Agri-Business, Yelm, WA