ReadyNation Washington Members Gather to Discuss 2023 Legislative Priorities
ReadyNation member Michael Cade and Washington State Director Kristin Wiggins co-hosted a friendly and engaging luncheon for business leaders and advocates to discuss our priorities related to increasing access to high-quality early learning
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For the first time since 2019, ReadyNation Washington members came together in Olympia for a thoughtful conversation about how affordable child care and early learning opportunities can strengthen our state’s economy. The lunch and discussion, held on February 1st, was facilitated by ReadyNation member and Executive Director of the Thurston County Economic Development Council, Michael Cade, and ReadyNation & Mission: Readiness Washington Director, Kristin Wiggins.
Michael and Kristin provided a primer on the 2023 legislative priorities pertaining to Washington’s high-quality state pre-k program, called ECEAP, as well as a celebration of ReadyNation members’ contributions to recent early learning victories. Earlier that day, the two also met with legislators at the Capitol to advocate for investments that could increase the accessibility and affordability of ECEAP for families across the state.
Research has shown that high-quality early learning programs like ECEAP not only support the current workforce, but they also foster the development of foundational skills that prepare kids for success in school, work, and life. To learn more about the benefits of ECEAP in Washington state, please download ReadyNation Washington’s 2023 fact sheet below.
For a broader look at the impact that child care has on the U.S. economy, you can read ReadyNation’s national report on the child care crisis, which now accounts for $122B in lost earnings, productivity, and revenue each year. This report is also available for download below.
Download the ReadyNation Washington ECEAP Factsheet
Download the ReadyNation National Child Care Report
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(Left to right) ReadyNation member Mike Edwards, Washington State Sen. Sam Hunt, and ReadyNation Washington Director Kristin Wiggins meet to discuss the long-term benefits of ECEAP, and to thank Sen. Hunt for his continued support of early learning.
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(Left to right) ReadyNation Washington Director Kristin Wiggins, Washington State Rep. Carolyn Eslick, Ranking Minority Member of the Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning Committee, and ReadyNation member Michael Cade. Rep. Eslick has been a long-standing champion for early learning.
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ReadyNation Washington Director Kristin Wiggins (center) and ReadyNation member Michael Cade (right) kick off the first in-person member luncheon since 2019.
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Thurston County Commissioner Gary Edwards (left), who is a former Fight Crime: Invest in Kids member due to his 37 year career in law enforcement, shares with the group his passion for early learning and its benefits to his community.
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(Left to right) ReadyNation member and luncheon co-host Michael Cade and Thurston County Commissioner Gary Edwards thanked one another for their long-standing leadership and advocacy at ReadyNation.
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(Left to right) ReadyNation members Gene and Janet Weaver shared their substantial community contributions to early learning with luncheon attendees.
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Gary Burris (left) introduces himself and his work at the Child Care Action Council to the group, followed by Susan Barbeau (center) who is the Executive Director at First 5 FUNdamentals. Both Gary and Susan are early learning advocates in the Washington state nonprofit sector.
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