WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

2017 Session Update: Expanding Access to Opportunity

Expanding access to opportunity

Creating a better future for Washington means fighting for working families and building a Washington that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few. This session we made progress in providing that support for Washington’s families and creating opportunities for success, no matter one’s economic situation.

Family leave story. Photo courtesy of the Washington Work and Family Coalition.

I am proud to say that this session Washington became the fifth state in the nation to guarantee paid family and medical leave! Paid leave provides the peace of mind that we can be there for our families, put food on the table, and return to a job that’s secure. This historic legislation will benefit families across the state, while providing a practical and affordable plan for workers and businesses.

In our Families First budget, we made significant investments to provide opportunities for all Washingtonians, from the littlest learners to families that are struggling to get by. We fought Republican cuts to childcare, while expanding early childhood education opportunities, including the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) and Working Connections Child Care (WCCC).

college graduation, higher educationWe invested in the continued success of Washington’s students by increasing access to financial aid via the State Need Grant and expanding student success programs at community and technical colleges. The State Need Grant investment will help nearly 1,000 additional students reach their dreams of a college education. By making college more affordable, not only do Washington’s students and their families benefit, but we also help ensure our state’s economy continues to grow.

Our Families First budget also invested in opportunities for Washington’s struggling families. Although the original Senate Republican budget slashed funding for the safety net, we fought back those cuts and were able to increase funding to programs that combat homelessness and provide support to families in need.


Look for my final 2017 legislative session update later this week!

Sincerely,