Members Meet with Washington State Legislators
Quality preschool and afterschool programs are top priorities for Mission: Readiness & ReadyNation
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Mission: Readiness & ReadyNation Washington Director, Kristin Wiggins, and one of ReadyNation’s founding members, Mike Edwards, hosted a luncheon meeting for members from across the state on Friday, February 1st. Over lunch, those in attendance received a quick primer on what is happening in Olympia and a status update on key issues. They also discussed ways our Mission: Readiness and ReadyNation members are currently making a difference.
The top two issues discussed were state-funded preschool, known as ECEAP in Washington, and quality out-of-school-time programs, or expanded learning opportunities (ELO). In the next state budget, it will be important to increase funding for both of these programs to improve their quality and reach more children and youth who are eligible, but not currently served. On Friday, two of our members took this message to state lawmakers themselves. Mike Edwards was joined by retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Bud Blake, representing Mission: Readiness.
As a grandfather and former employer, I know that high-quality early learning, like ECEAP, helps young learners develop.
Mr. Mike Edwards, ReadyNation member
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After a meeting to discuss quality preschool and expanded learning opportunities, from left to right: Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Bud Blake, representing Mission: Readiness; Washington State Representative J.T. Wilcox, House Minority Leader; and ReadyNation member Mike Edwards
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Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Bud Blake, representing Mission: Readiness, Washington State Senator Sam Hunt, and ReadyNation member Mike Edwards discussed funding for ECEAP and ELO.
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Mission: Readiness and ReadyNation Washington members attended a luncheon to learn more about legislative priorities for the 2019 session.
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Fight Crime: Invest in Kids member Sheriff John Snaza, ReadyNation member Mike Edwards, retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Bud Blake represents Mission: Readiness, and Thurston County District 2 Commissioner Gary Edwards
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Washington State Representative Tom Dent, ranking minority member of the House early learning committee, meets with ReadyNation member Mike Edwards to discuss the economic importance of quality preschool and afterschool programs.
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