ReadyNation Washington Members Gather to Discuss 2024 Legislative Priorities

On February 15th, ReadyNation Washington members gathered for an annual luncheon in Olympia to discuss what’s happening at the Legislature related to child care and early learning policy and budget proposals. ReadyNation member and Executive Director of the Thurston County Economic Development Council, Michael Cade, and ReadyNation and Mission: Readiness Washington Director, Kristin Wiggins, co-hosted an engaging early learning-focused conversation with business leaders from a variety of industries. The goal of the conversation was to hear what business and community leaders are experiencing and help inform our on-going advocacy work in support of increased access to child care.

The 2024 legislative session began in January. ReadyNation WA members have taken 80 unique actions so far including submitting testimony and meeting with legislators to advocate for policies that aim to increase access to and support the quality of child care and early learning programs. Prior to the luncheon, Michael and Kristin met with legislators at the Capitol to share ReadyNation’s priorities, which include early learning facilities so that learning space is sustained and expanded, subsidized child care so that working families have access to affordable care, and Washington state’s high-quality PreK program, called ECEAP, that supports our most vulnerable preschoolers and their families.

The impact of child care shortages on Washington’s economy was a leading topic of conversation at this year’s luncheon, and attendees shared their perspectives on how to address this crisis as business leaders and as advocates. For more information on the impact of the child care crisis on the U.S. economy, you can read ReadyNation’s national report, released in February 2023, which estimates a cost of $122B in lost earnings, productivity, and revenue each year, for infant and toddler care alone.

ReadyNation Washington members will continue speaking up for our youngest learners as the Legislature finalizes the budget and takes final actions on pending legislation until they conclude their work on March 7th.