Yesterday the Washington State Legislature adjourned ‘sine die’* and completed the final day of the 2024 Legislative Session. The end of session is a time to celebrate, and we’re proud to share that the legislature expanded funding for all of BrightSpark’s priorities in one way or another!
- The Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMH-C) program will receive an additional $1.75 million to increase staffing and address the growing waitlist.
- The Infant Rate Enhancement will increase from $90 to $180 per child, per month, effective July 1, 2024.
- The Non-Standard Hour Bonus will increase from $135 to $150 per child, per month, effective July 1, 2024.
- ECEAP rates will grow by 5% for full day and 9% for extended care.
*Sine Die translates to “without a day”, and is a phrase used to mark the end of the legislative session.
Our Advocacy Team joined legislators and community members at the end-of-session “Sine Die” celebration!
Pictured above right: Logan, our Advocacy Director, poses for a selfie with WA State and early learning champion Senator Clarie Wilson!
Now what?
Over the coming weeks, we’ll compile a comprehensive legislative session overview to unpack as many details as possible about the full suite of policy and funding changes made by the legislature this session. We anticipate releasing that on Friday, March 22. In the meantime, we’d encourage you to send a thank you message to your legislators for their investments in the early learning and child care sector.
If you aren’t sure who your legislators are, please look up your legislative district and find your legislators’ contact information.
Did you know? The vast majority of BrightSpark’s Advocacy work is made possible by individual gifts!
Your donation helps us continue working with legislators and mobilizing advocates to create child-centered, antiracist early learning communities.
Meet the Advocacy Team!
We are here to provide you with the tools, opportunities, and experience so that you have everything you need to get involved in the legislative process. Your voice matters, and we want to help amplify your message!
- Donny Willeto (she/her) joined BrightSpark in 2020 and serves as the External Affairs Officer overseeing Advocacy, Public Policy, Marketing, Communications, and Fund Development. Donny is excited to lead this team of amazing and driven advocates and mobilizers. Community centered work is Donny’s passion so being able to connect our early learning communities to decision makers aligns well with her 15 years of nonprofit experience.
(Email: willeto@childcare.org) - Logan Endres (he/him) joined BrightSpark in 2023 and serves as the Director of Advocacy & Policy. Logan is a communicator and advocate with over nine years working in education and government systems. The 2024 session will be his first with the early learning sector. Logan believes in the power of civic engagement and works to support legislative outcomes that ensure equity and justice.
(Email: endres@childcare.org) - Jaymie McLaughlin (she/her) joined BrightSpark in 2019 and serves as the Mobilization Coordinator. Jaymie is looking forward to building on the continued momentum within early learning advocacy by drawing on the strengths of King and Pierce counties. Building relationships and connecting constituents to their elected officials is key to making us stronger together. Deconstructing the mystery of advocacy and building confidence in advocates is what she is most passionate about.
(Email: mclaughlin@childcare.org)