Blog | January 25, 2019

ReadyNation Washington Update

Looking ahead to 2019 legislative session

Happy New Year

The new year represents the start of our busiest advocacy season. The 2019 legislative session began on Monday, January 14th, and we are focused on two main priorities.

  • High-quality preschool for our most vulnerable youngsters so that they can be successful in school and life. We support increased access to the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program, or ECEAP, our state’s proven high-quality PreK program. See info and our fact sheet here.

  • High-quality out of school time programs for older students so that they can graduate on time and be set-up for post-secondary success. We call this issue expanded learning opportunity. See info and our fact sheet here.

In 2019, we hope you will join us in speaking up for children and families. Actions we take include:

  • Direct advocacy. Sending emails to and meeting with legislators to let them know we support PreK and expanded learning opportunity. 
  • Increasing our membership. Asking colleagues to join us in our efforts. Membership is free and we have no membership meetings. All opportunities to take action are well-staffed.

Looking Back at 2018

  • ReadyNation staff and members held nearly 40 meetings with state legislators to increase awareness of and gain support on our priorities. Seven of these meetings involved ReadyNation members.

  • ReadyNation staff had nearly 50 meetings with executive and policymaker staff to continue supporting our priorities.

  • ReadyNation founding member Mike Edwards co-hosted a luncheon in Olympia to share our priorities with local business and community leaders.

  • Sen. Lisa Wellman, D 41st LD, Chair of the Senate Early Learning and K12 Committee meeting with ReadyNation member and constituent Peter Raulerson.

    Sen. Lisa Wellman, D 41st LD, Chair of the Senate Early Learning and K12 Committee meeting with ReadyNation member and constituent Peter Raulerson.

  • ReadyNation member Mike Edwards met with Rep. J.T. Wilcox, R 2nd LD, Minority Leader

    ReadyNation member Mike Edwards met with Rep. J.T. Wilcox, R 2nd LD, Minority Leader

States

  1. Washington*