In November, we learned that the governor was considering introducing legislation to create a new, cabinet-level department for early learning. We enthusiastically embraced the concept of creating a visible, high-level department to focus on the needs of young children, from birth to age six. We supported HB 2964 by reaching out to key supporters and encouraging them to talk with legislators about the needs of families and young children in their districts and providing testimony to the legislature on our positive response to creating a new agency. In particular, we felt that it was important to educate legislators about why the state's support of early learning is not only a nonpartisan issue, but that creation of a new agency will help the state to: 1) think more innovatively about early learning, 2) allow a better collaboration between many private and philanthropic funders that are now investing in early learning, including United Way of King County, and 3) ensure that the needs of all parents (not just low-income parents) are being met. We are very pleased with the leadership of Representatives Ruth Kagi (D-32) (Shoreline), Jan Shabro (R-31) (Sumner), Senator Rosemary McAuliffe (D-1) (Bothell) and Senator Dave Schmidt (R-44) (Everett) in bringing this department into being, as well as with the Governor's leadership. We look forward to working with the new department once the transition of programs has occurred and staff has been hired.
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