WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Statement from Rep. Ruth Kagi on Governor Inslee’s announcement to create a separate agency for children and families

2/18/2016

Statement from Rep. Ruth Kagi on Governor Inslee’s announcement to create a separate agency for children and families

Rep. Ruth Kagi has issued the following statement supporting the Executive Order issued today by Governor Inslee that will create the Washington State Blue Ribbon Commission on the Delivery of Services to Children and Families.

“Our children and families deserve an agency dedicated to improving outcomes for the youngest Washingtonians.

“Since the 2006 creation of the Department of Early Learning, access and quality of early learning in Washington state has grown by leaps and bounds and we are recognized as a leader in the country on early learning. This same dedication to children and families will reduce barriers to success and improve outcomes for young people today and future generations to come.

“Too often, the focus of policies is on addressing problems instead of preventing them in the first place. Providing appropriate and robust services to children and families can do much more than solve immediate problems, it can reduce the need for assistance far into the future.

“The legislature and state agencies have already created many policies and programs to help give children the best start in life. However, these programs are dispersed under many different agencies. If we are serious about providing all children with an equal opportunity to succeed, a dedicated agency for children and family programs makes sense.”