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Dear Next Governor: Stand up for kids!
We believe that all Washington's children should have what they need to grow up to be the people they dream of becoming. Today, this dream is threatened. For the first time in our nation's history, a majority of Americans believe that the next generation will fare worse than their parents. The next Governor of Washington has the power to support the success and dreams of the next generation. It is up to us to tell the candidates that--whoever becomes Washington's Governor for the next four years--we expect them to make the decisions and judgments needed to help turn the dreams of our children into reality. Sign the petition and pass it on! %adv-participants-Standupforkids% people have signed so far, surpassing our initial goal of 1,000 signatures.
Dear [ Decision Maker ] , Dear Governor Gregoire and Mr. Rossi: In November, one of you will be charged by voters with leading our state for the next four years. For children, there's a lot at stake in the many decisions you will make. State government, in partnership with parents, teachers, and communities, has the potential to provide resources and opportunities that help all children thrive. During your campaign, we ask that you prioritize the needs of Washington's children by speaking about the following critical needs: Health care for every child and the next steps needed to realize the bi-partisan goal of coverage for all children by 2010. Ending childhood hunger in Washington by ensuring that every child has three nutritious meals every day. Reforming the foster care system to improve outcomes for all children and end disparities faced by children of color. Promoting high quality early learning opportunities and choices for parents--so that all children are prepared for success in school and in life. Supporting families struggling to make ends meet in these hard times and protecting current investments in vulnerable children and families. I pledge to do my part by telling you what children in my community need. Please do your part by making decisions and judgments that prioritize children and create a stronger next generation. Thank you!
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| Background Information |
What’s at Stake in ‘08: Washington Governor’s race
The Governor of Washington has a big and unique influence over the well being of children. In fact, only three people may have more: parents, the President, and Congress. How will the next Governor influence kids in coming years?
Health care for every child
In 2007, our state’s legislators made a bi-partisan commitment to ensure every child has health coverage by 2010. You can read stories of families who have gained health care, and the families who are still waiting in the Children’s Alliance Cover Every Child by 2010 online storybook. To keep the promise to cover every child by 2010, next year the Governor and legislators must come to agreement on funding to implement the next phase of the Cover All Kids law. Success depends on the Governor’s commitment. Because of our leadership as a state in covering kids, Washington’s Governor also plays an important role in lobbying the federal government for more support for children’s health.
Quality child care and early learning
In recent years, our state has made an initial commitment to providing young children and their parents with opportunities to learn, grow, and arrive at school ready to succeed. The latest research shows that what happens to kids in their early years shapes the rest of their lives. However, much of the promise of supporting children in their earliest learning years remains unfulfilled. Next year and beyond, Washington’s Governor must propose substantial new investments in young children, such as quality child care, home visiting, pre-school, and support to early childhood teachers. Only through strong leadership from our Governor will all children be prepared for success in school and in life. Visit our Early Learning campaign for more information.
Childhood hunger
In our state of plenty, 300,000 children live in families who struggle to provide three full meals a day. Washington continues to have a much higher than average number of hungry children. Ending childhood hunger is possible and the Children’s Alliance has a 10-point plan that spells out how. Washington’s Governor has control over much of the policies and funding that can help each and child in the state have three nutritious meals every day.
Foster care
All foster kids should be getting what they need to lead successful adult lives. Today, they aren’t. African American and Native American children are particularly poorly served by our child welfare system—they end up in foster care more often and stay longer once they’re there, despite the fact that their families have no higher rates of abuse or neglect than white families. Washington’s Governor has the power to propose and pursue the investments that will reform our foster care system and end disparities faced by children of color. Visit our foster care campaign page for more information.
For ongoing information about what's at stake for kids in the 2008 Washington State elections be sure to sign up for the Children's Action Network, if you're not yet a member, and visit our elections 2008 webpage.
