CCFA responds to Governor's Proposed Budget

Dear Governor Inslee, Governor-Elect Ferguson, and Legislators,

Children’s Campaign Fund Action (CCFA) builds power for children, youth, and families in Washington State by engaging in education and advocacy. We appreciate your leadership during this critical time as our state faces a $12-14 billion budget shortfall. We recognize the difficult decisions ahead and thank you for prioritizing investments that support children, families, and child care providers.

We commend the Governor’s proposed budget for recognizing the essential role of child care and early learning in Washington’s economy and in ensuring every child has a strong start in life. The inclusion of a progressive revenue package, including a wealth tax, increased capital gains tax, and adjustments to the Business & Occupation tax represents a critical investment in our children and the future of Washington.

We also celebrate investments such as the $510 million in DCYF’s base budget to increase child care provider subsidy rates up to the 85th percentile of 2024 market rates. This funding helps stabilize a long-underfunded workforce that is vital to both families and our economy. Additionally, we are grateful for investments in Play and Learn Groups and other supports for early childhood caregivers, which recognize the critical contributions of informal care providers.

However, we are deeply concerned about the proposed delays and reductions in critical child care and early learning programs. The budget delays the Working Connections Child Care expansion for families earning up to 75% of the state median income for another five years. It also postpones planned ECEAP (Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program) assistance for families until 2031. These delays will leave thousands of families—particularly middle-income families who cannot afford child care but do not qualify for subsidies—waiting far too long for essential support.

Washington’s care providers, parents, and businesses agree that the state cannot afford to go backward on access to affordable, high-quality child care. Without immediate investments in early learning and family support, we risk exacerbating the workforce shortage, forcing parents out of the workforce, and delaying critical opportunities for our youngest learners.

We are heartened by the new revenue proposals included in the governor's budget, such as the wealth tax on financial assets exceeding $250 million, the capital gains tax increase from 7% to 8%, and adjustments to the Business & Occupation tax for high-profit businesses. These measures will not only address income inequality but also generate the resources necessary to prevent harmful cuts to essential programs. We also recognize that other progressive revenue options, if considered, could further enhance our collective ability to support these critical services.

As the legislative session begins, we urge you to restore funding and advance these programs without delay. These investments are essential to building a thriving, equitable, and economically strong Washington.

LEAP Lunch and Learn: Early Care & Education

Did you know that turnover, absenteeism, and lost family income due to child care issues results in a $6 billion reduction of the state's economy? When families cannot find quality care, employers and the economy suffers. In this webinar, national author and expert, Dan Wuori, shares insights from his latest book, The Daycare Myth, which discusses what we all need to know about human development and the importance of delivering high-quality early care and education. 

For more information about the LEAP program, visit https://www.washingtonleap.org/.

2025 CCFA Legislative Priorities

We are looking forward to working with the Legislature to build a future where children, youth, and families have the tools and resources to thrive.

Our priorities include:

Early Learning, Childcare, and Family Support: Washington must protect affordable childcare by ensuring the Fair Start for Kids Act continues to be implemented. In addition, we must implement a true cost-of-care model for childcare workers. Assistance programs like Working Connections Child Care must be expanded so more parents can afford high-quality childcare, enabling them to stay in the workforce. At the same time, we must invest in building and improving early learning facilities to create safe, enriching spaces for children to grow. 

Basic Needs: Children and families across Washington need better access to mental health services. Protecting and strengthening behavioral health programs for youth of all ages will help address the growing youth mental health crisis. In addition, we must keep investing in programs to support homeless youth and families. Immigrant youth and families must also be safeguarded through policies that ensure they are protected and supported in our state.

Progressive Revenue: Washington State is facing a budget crisis that puts critical services our communities county on at risk. Washington must adopt equitable tax policies that ask the wealthiest to pay their fair share. More equitable revenue provides the funding necessary for critical programs like childcare amid a challenging budget forecast. 

Child Welfare: As a state, we must maintain our investments in our child welfare systems and expand resources to help youth leaving foster care transition successfully into adulthood. 

Juvenile Justice Reform: Rehabilitation programs for youth in the juvenile justice system are essential to providing second chances. Maintaining funding for these programs ensures young people have opportunities to rebuild their lives and thrive in adulthood. 

Disability Advocacy: All children and youth deserve access to the necessary resources to thrive in school and life. Removing the funding cap on special education is a critical step toward ensuring students with disabilities can succeed.

Youth Development: Continued investment in youth development programs ensures that every young person has access to opportunities to learn, explore, and thrive as they transition into adulthood.