Crosscut
WA proposed budget funds stipends to attract low-income board members

Drayton Jackson was homeless for two decades, living in shelters in New York City and, later, Washington state. Over the years, he compiled notes on what it’s like to experience homelessness and how policymakers could help, and now he uses that knowledge and experience to lead an anti-poverty work group and create the Foundation for … READ MORE

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Federal Way Mirror
Legislators target local community building projects

Money will go toward affordable housing, youth services and more in Federal Way area. By Olivia Sullivan Saturday, July 31, 2021 1:30am The 30th District Legislators recently provided an update on legislative projects from the 2021 session. “The goal is to leverage as much money and as much power and support for this district,” said Sen. … READ MORE

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Auburn Examiner
Senate passes Wilson bill for comprehensive sexuality health education

Science-based, comprehensive sexuality health education would become a required component of public school curriculums, under legislation passed today by the Senate on a 28-21 vote. “People call this sex education, but it’s about much more than sex,” said Sen. Claire Wilson (D-Auburn), the bill’s sponsor. “It’s about personal health, it’s about important life decisions, it’s … READ MORE

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Seattle Times
Students deserve honest information on sex education

By Lisa Wellman and Claire Wilson Special to The Times In nearly seven hours of floor speeches in the House and Senate this session, a vocal minority argued vociferously against legislation to require comprehensive sexual health education in all public schools. Though the speakers claimed to address the curriculum, many of their comments were so outlandish … READ MORE

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Seattle Times
Washington’s ‘huge investments’ in early childhood development praised in national report

By Jenn Smith  Education Lab engagement editor Washington is emerging as a leader in adopting effective early childhood policies and strategies over the past year, according to a new national report. The accolades come after state lawmakers greatly expanded child care initiatives the 2021 Legislative session by passing the Fair Start for Kids Act. The state … READ MORE

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The Spokesman-Review
Proposed Washington child care legislation could provide relief to providers who desperately need it while supporting economic recovery

By Laurel Demkovich  OLYMPIA – Kerra Bower started providing child care out of her home more than a decade ago, and she learned firsthand how difficult it was to be a provider. With a business model that many say doesn’t work, low subsidy rates make for high costs for staffing and little access to health care … READ MORE

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Washington State Wire
Q&A: Sen. Claire Wilson — “Child care is no longer a program for poverty.”

AARON KUNKLER   AUGUST 31, 2021     Child care is top-of-mind for Sen. Claire Wilson, who has spent decades working in early education. In Olympia, she serves as vice chair of the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee and has worked on legislation including the 2021 Fair Start for Kids Act.  The Child Care Collaborative Task Force released several recommendations on how to … READ MORE

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