Legislative Reception 2015

The Children's Campaign Fund Board of Directors hosted the second annual Legislative Reception this March at the Waterstreet Café in downtown Olympia.

The CCF Board of Directors welcomed Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, Sen. Steve Litzow, Rep. Ross Hunter, Speaker Frank Chopp, Rep. Ruth Kagi, Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self, Rep. Steve Berquist, Rep. Tana Senn, Rep. Jessyn Ferrell and Rep. Reuven Carlyle.

We had speakers from both sides of the aisle about what it would take to build a sound legislative agenda and budget that prioritizes Washington's children.

Event Sponsors

Benefactors Linda Hull Cynthia Shurtleff

Champions Susan and Pat Dunn Linda Hanson Jean Leonard

Patrons

Cody Arledge

David Beard

Paul Benz

Rebecca Bogard

Pam Crone

Nick and Kristen Federici

Law Office of William Hochberg

Marty Jacobs

Steven Leahy

Melanie Stewart

Casey Trupin

CCF Tribute to Rep. Roger Freeman

A memorial service was held for Representative Freeman on November 22, at 1 p.m., at Our Savior's Baptist Church at 701 S. 320th St. in Federal Way.

More information on the City of Federal Way website.

Representative Freeman, in his first term in the legislature, served Washington's 30th District. He was an exceptional advocate for children and individuals with developmental disabilities.

He earned 100 percent on the 2014 CCF Scorecard because of his dedication and support of key issues affecting children in Washington state. He was a CCF Primary Race Candidate in his bid for reelection and a Champion of Children.

Last year, Representative Freeman prime sponsored and led efforts to pass House Bill 2616, a new law that helps adult parents with developmental disabilities receive more time for help in dependency proceedings.

"I had the great honor of being a speaker at Representative Freeman's campaign kickoff earlier this summer. I was proud, as a CCF board member, parent and advocate, to present Roger with Children's Campaign Fund's endorsement and max contribution check. I had the opportunity to tell his supporters about his accomplishments for children and families, as well as children with special needs and individuals with developmental disabilities.

He will be missed tremendously."

- Joe Cunningham, Children's Campaign Fund Vice Chair

"Roger was an incredible advocate for children and families—in the legislature and as a dedicated attorney for parents involved with child welfare."

- Susan A. Weiss, Children's Campaign Fund Board Member

Read more about the passing of Rep. Roger Freeman in the News Tribune Oct. 29, 2014 article.

Raise Your Voice for Kids

We have a responsibility to our children to fully fund education without defunding the safety net for our most vulnerable neighbors.

Supporters of the Children's Campaign Fund: We are calling on you to take another step in advocacy for the children of Washington.

Write a letter to the editor of your hometown newspaper! Make your voice heard!

The next legislative session will be focused on the money available for fully funding education for our children. We need legislators who will address this issue without cutting programs that support those same vulnerable children and their families.

Please consider writing a letter to your editor, asking for the elected officials to work on new revenue options. Ask voters to take this into consideration with their vote and support those who will look for ways to fully fund K-12 education, early Learning and higher education and our social services system. These are critical decisions that WILL shape the future for Washington's children.

Our children cannot vote and this is the time to speak up for them.

Here are a couple to get you started:

Seattle Times

Letters, not exceeding 200 words, must include your full name, address and telephone numbers for verification. Letters become the property of The Times and may be edited for publication. High volume prevents our acknowledging receipt of submissions. Email for letters: letters@seattletimes.com.

Spokane's Spokesman-Review

Readers in the Inland Northwest are invited to submit letters to The Spokesman-Review. Letters should be no longer than 200 words and must include:

• Name

• Street address

• A daytime telephone number

• An e-mail address

Address, telephone number, and e-mail address are only used to follow up with letter writers. Submit on Spokesman.com website

Vancouver Sun

To submit letters to the editor for publication in The Vancouver Sun newspaper: sunletters@vancouversun.com. Text only, please. Email subject line: "Letter to the editor"

Letters must contain the author's name, address and a daytime telephone number. Maximum length is 200 words; shorter is better. The Vancouver Sun reserves the right to edit, condense or reject any contribution. We do not publish open letters to third parties. Writers whose letters are being considered for publication will be contacted.