CCF Applauds House Budget

March 30, 2017

Children’s Campaign Fund Applauds House Budget

The Children’s Campaign Fund (CCF) welcomes the budget priorities recently released by the Washington State House of Representatives.

“In a year when so much focus is on fully and sustainably funding K-12 education, we appreciate that the House took the holistic approach to support the children of our state. We cannot fund public education through cuts to other essential state services and the House priorities recognize children have critical needs that extend beyond school grounds,” said Randi Abrams-Caras, CCF co-chair.

CCF is a dedicated board of directors who advocate for legislative leadership and legislation that promotes the whole child. We are a resource for families, community allies, and voters who care about how Washington will improve the health, safety, welfare, and education of every child.

We are pleased that the House is committed to revenue support for:

• The new Department of Children, Youth and Families.

• Chemical dependency specialists in child welfare offices,

• Education support for foster youth,

• Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) grant restoration,

• Working connections child care and

• Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program

This year’s budget will have far-reaching implications for our state’s youngest residents. House leadership demonstrates they are committed to not undermining the needs of our children and youth, especially those who are most vulnerable such as children in foster care and youth experiencing homelessness.

“We support the House commitment to funding for education success for foster and homeless youth, children’s mental health, and Workfirst Poverty Reduction,” said Andy Clark, CCF co-chair.

“CCF and our supporters are unified in our stance that programs serving children—especially those from families who are most at-risk because of social and economic disparities—are not optional. We call on the Senate to do the right thing and address revenue in this critical budget year,” said Abrams-Caras.

Founded in 1990, the Children’s Campaign Fund is a political action committee dedicated to electing state leaders who will champion the health, well-being, safety and education of the children of Washington State, especially those most at-risk and underserved. CCF provides a non-partisan, collective voice and means for the people of Washington state to elect leaders who will put kids first, and to hold them accountable for supporting the whole child.

CCF Third Annual Legislative Reception

Recently, CCF's Board members and political allies met to help advance public policy that works on behalf of Washington children and families.

Your continued partnership is vital for a great state that prioritizes the health and well being of our youngest citizens!

CCF Tribute to Sen. Andy Hill

The Children’s Campaign Fund is deeply saddened by the passing of Sen. Andy Hill.

Senator Hill, a key budget writer for Senate Republicans, died after a battle with lung cancer on October 31, 2016.

First elected in 2010, Senator Hill was in his second term in the Washington legislature where he served the 45th District encompassing Redmond, Kirkland, Duvall and adjacent communities. Children’s Campaign Fund endorsed him as a Champion for Children in 2010 and 2014.

Senator Hill was chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee and served on Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee. He was a compassionate advocate for people with disabilities and contributed to the passage of the VIP Act, which expanded developmental disability services to thousands of individuals.

“Despite partisan challenges often facing the legislature, Senator Hill will be remembered as a devoted state leader who was willing to work across party lines to better the lives of the people of Washington,” said Rene Murry, Chair of the Children’s Campaign Fund.

An appointee will be selected to serve through 2017 when a special election will be held to fill Senator Hill’s term through 2018.

A memorial service will be held for Senator Hill on Services will be held on Friday, November 11, 2016 at 2 p.m. at Saint Jude Catholic Church in Redmond.