Champions for Children are state lawmakers recognized by the Children’s Alliance for their outstanding service on behalf of children. Each Champion for Children provided significant leadership during the 2009 state legislative session in preserving, protecting, or advancing state policies or investments that will improve the well‐being of vulnerable children in Washington.

May 19, 2009—Governor Chris Gregoire today vetoed the section of the Basic Education Bill (House Bill 2261) that stated the intent to provide preschool for at-risk 3- and 4-year-olds as part of the state’s definition of basic education. As part of basic education preschool for this group would eventually have been funded on a per pupil basis in the same way K-12 education is funded.

In crafting the state’s 2009-11 budget legislators made an effort to protect children from the worst of the budget cuts. But children live in families and communities that are facing harsh cuts in health care and other services.

April 1, 2009—Beginning today, low-income Washingtonians who rely on the Basic Food Program (food stamps) to feed themselves and their children will see those benefits go a little further.