United Ways of Washington
January 29, 2010
Contents
+ Week in Olympia
+ Early Learning Take-Aways for Week
+ Bill & Committee Action
+ Federal News
+ Local United Ways Galvanized Champions
+ The R&R Network on King 5
+ Subscription Information
WEEK IN OLYMPIA
- With the lion’s share of energy this session being focused on mending the budget gap and discussing new legislation that was introduced this year, it can be easy to forget that bills from last year are still “alive.” Washington state government functions in a biennium, or two year cycle, and this is the second year in that cycle. Bills that were introduced in the 2009 session that were stalled in the process last year and did not become law are still eligible for action this year. See info below on HB 1329, a collective bargaining bill for child care center workers, which was revived.
- Friday, 2/5, is the cutoff for bills to be voted out of the policy committees they are assigned to. If a bill you support has not yet been scheduled for a public hearing, contact the Chair of the committee it is assigned to and request it be scheduled for a hearing and contact your elected officials and request they urge the Chair of the committee to schedule a hearing.
- The ever-present concern over the deficit is surfacing in specific policy discussions as bills are advancing in the legislative process. If a bill costs money it has a fiscal note attached to it which outlines anticipated implementation costs. Once such a bill is voted out of the policy committee it is assigned to, it must receive a hearing and vote in the fiscal committee.
EARLY LEARNIN7G TAKE-AWAYS FOR WEEK
- A lot of significant activity related to early childhood took place this week.
- The five main early learning topics under discussion this week were preschool, the Quality Education Council’s final report and recommendations, proposals to transfer the Infant Toddler Early Intervention Program (ITEIP) to the Department of Early Learning (DEL), collective bargaining for child care center workers, and Working Connections Child Care (WCCC).
- Advocates are speaking up in both the House and Senate in strong, unified support of including preschool for vulnerable 3- and 4-year-olds in the definition of basic education.
- While there are parallel conversations happening in the House and Senate about inclusion of preschool in the definition of basic education, it is important to highlight that the level and nature of the conversations are very different at this stage. In the House, there is clear support for inclusion with discussion at a more detailed-level about how to most effectively implement the proposal. In the Senate, the discussion is at a higher, philosophical level around whether it should be included or excluded. The conversation has not yet expanded beyond the Senate policy committee whereas in the House, the conversation has expanded to the fiscal committee and seems to be on the pathway for discussion before the full House soon. Thus, now is a good time to share your thoughts on this issue with your Senator and members of the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Committee (see roster at http://www.leg.wa.gov/Senate/Committees/EDU/Pages/MembersStaff.aspx).
- Diverse and widespread advocate support is clearly for HB 2731, Rep. Goodman’s bill, which is in part a result of all the historical work done on this topic and the various studies that support inclusion. It is also a strategy by advocates to protect early learning funding for vulnerable children which is at heightened threat during times of budget deficit. This bill is moving swiftly in the House and the sponsor, Rep. Goodman, is agreeable to amending the bill to include the best pieces of the other existing preschool proposal, or the Governor-requested bill.
- Currently no groups are backing the Governor’s proposal for a universal, voluntary preschool called “All Start” that would not be included in the definition of basic education. However, Sen. McAuliffe who is the Chair of the Senate Early Learning and K12 Education Committee is sponsoring two pieces of legislation (SB 6517 and SB 6761) that make her stance on the issue clear – she does not believe it is the time to include preschool for vulnerable children in the definition of basic education.
- The final report and recommendations from the Quality Education Council were reviewed in House Education Appropriations Committee and the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Committee. See final report and recommendations at http://www.k12.wa.us/QEC/pubdocs/QECJan2010ReportMinorityReport.pdf. Of note, recommendation #7 outlines inclusion of preschool for vulnerable children in the definition of basic education.
- Both the Senate and House early learning policy committees discussed the issue of ITEIP, from the Dept. of Social Health and Services to the DEL (HB 2741, SB 6593). This move received much support from legislators and advocates alike.
- HB 1329, the bill that allows collective bargaining for child care center directors and workers, was voted out of the House on Wednesday, 1/27. This is a significant move. As we reported last year, HB 1329 went through quite a battle toward the end of the 2009 session with both the House and Senate approving individual and different versions of the bill. The two chambers could not agree on a final compromise thus the bill was stalled and did not become law at the close of the 2009 session. See more discussion on this item below.
BILL & COMMITTEE ACTION
The inclusion of early learning in basic education: House discussion
Quick status:
- Advocates clearly support inclusion in the definition.
- Reps. Goodman and Haler are considered champions on this issue.
- With such long-standing work on this issue by legislators as well as advocates and diverse stakeholders, the conversation in the House is more about the how as there is strong consensus on the what.
- Rep. Goodman’s bill, HB 2731, is the vehicle to advance this issue. HB 2731 has been amended to include the best pieces from the competing proposals. HB 2731 is moving well through the legislative process.
- HB 2731 is in contrast to the Governor-requested legislation which excludes early learning for vulnerable preschoolers from the definition of basic education.
HB 2731, sponsored by Rep. Goodman, is continuing to advance through the legislative process. HB 2731 proposes that a program of early learning for educationally at-risk 3- and 4-year-olds be included in the definition of basic education. Last week we reported on HB 2731 and the competing proposal, Governor-requested HB 2867. HB 2731 was voted out of the House Early Learning and Children’s Services Committee last week, thus advanced to the House fiscal committee, Ways & Means.
Monday, 1/25, the House Ways and Means committee held a public hearing on HB 2731. Rep. Goodman amended his bill to include a focus on birth to three. Language was added that directs the DEL to develop, coordinate and implement community-based programs and services for children ages birth to age three. This language is also included in the Governor’s-requested legislation contained in HB 2867 which is the portion of the bill that advocates supported last week when it was discussed in the House Early Learning and Children’s Services Committee. This shows that HB 2731’s sponsor, Rep. Goodman, is willing to evolve the bill to include the best pieces of the competing preschool proposals.
At Monday’s hearing, Rep. Goodman emphasized that this proposal is intended to build upon the strengths of the existing system, rather than starting from scratch. Rep. Goodman also stressed that he envisions this proposal would lead to integrated classrooms with a buy-in option for children that do not qualify for the program which is something executive policy staff highlighted as a key benefit of the Governor’s proposal.
The fiscal note attached to HB 2731 received review. Fiscal notes are developed by state agencies and are intended to provide an estimate of the costs to implement bills. The committee staff noted that the fiscal note presented at Monday’s hearing did not represent two key amendments to the bill – raising eligibility from 110% of federal poverty level to 130% of the federal poverty level and the codification of DEL’s administrative role with services for children ages birth to three. Without these changes, the fiscal note estimates roughly $200 million in costs for 2011-13 and over $450 million for 2013-15. One of the bill’s prime sponsors, Rep. Haler, testified that he believes these estimates are elevated and do not reflect the existing system. He said that until this estimate is adjusted, he cannot support the bill.
Governor Gregoire’s early learning policy adviser, Leslie Goldstein, testified to the Governor’s opposition to include early learning as a part of basic education. Similar to her testimony in the House Early Learning and Children’s Service Committee, she again emphasized that the Attorney General’s opinion has influenced the Governor’s stance on this item. See the Attorney General’s opinion at http://www.atg.wa.gov/AGOOpinions/Opinion.aspx?section=archive&id=24864. Goldstein also stated it is the Governor’s position that basic education as currently defined should be fully funded before that definition is expanded.
A representative from independent schools urged the committee to consider any potential negative impacts on parochial schools that currently serve children through the state’s subsidy program.
At the public hearing’s conclusion, Committee Chair Rep. Kelli Linville signaled her personal support for early learning. She acknowledged the state’s financial situation has changed and urged stakeholders to work with legislative leaders, stating that the state needs to take action, but be responsible.
HB 2731 awaits a vote in the House Ways and Means Committee.
The early learning in basic education: Senate discussion highlights Governor’s stance
Quick status:
- There is a high-level conversation happening about whether early learning for vulnerable preschoolers should or should not be included in the definition of basic education. Senators, especially members of the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Committee (see roster at http://www.leg.wa.gov/Senate/Committees/EDU/Pages/MembersStaff.aspx) would benefit from hearing where their constituents weigh-in on this issue.
- Sen. McAuliffe is sponsoring the Governor-requested legislation, SB 6517, which specifies early learning is excluded from the definition of basic education. This is in sharp contrast to the level of support shown for inclusion by advocates and diverse stakeholders as demonstrated by the absence of groups backing SB 6517.
- The Governor’s executive early learning policy staff is clear that the Governor does not support inclusion at this point.
- The alternative preschool proposal in the Senate, SB 6759, is much softer than HB 2731.
As we reported last week, the House Early Learning and Children’s Services Committee held an important hearing to debate alternative preschool proposals. As reported above, in the House, HB 2731 is making swift progress.
The Senate is in a parallel process in discussing alternative preschool proposals. This week on Wednesday, 1/27, in the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Committee, members held a public hearing on alternative proposals – SB 6517 and SB 6759.
SB 6517 is the companion bill to HB 2867, the Governor’s request legislation that outlines her All Start proposal that specifies the preschool program would not be included in the definition of basic education. See bill information at http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=6517&year=2009. At Wednesday’s hearing, Sen. McAuliffe who is the Committee Chair and the prime sponsor of SB 6517 and the Governor’s Early Learning Policy Adviser Leslie Goldstein testified in support of SB 6517 both offered support of the bill.
Goldstein echoed many of the comments she made in last week’s hearing in the House and again nodded at the Attorney General’s (AG’s) opinion (http://www.atg.wa.gov/AGOOpinions/Opinion.aspx?section=archive&id=24864). Related to point #1 in the AG’s opinion, Goldstein stated the Governor believes that preschool access should not be limited to children living in poverty. Goldstein also said that the Governor believes preschool should be housed under DEL and has huge concerns with it being part of basic education. Point #3 in the AG’s opinion indicates a program of early learning included in the definition of basic education must be supervised by the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
As an alternative to SB 6517, SB 6759 which is sponsored by Sen. Kauffman calls for establishment of a working group to develop a plan to include a voluntary program of early learning within the definition of basic education. It also states legislative intent that a voluntary early learning program for three and four-year olds should be included within the definition of Basic Education. Finally, the bill reduces the membership on the Early Learning Advisory Council from 25 to 23 members.
Public testimony for SB 6517 was largely supportive and proponents represented perspectives from parents, law enforcement, K-12, PTA, local government, philanthropy, and early learning. Many indicated their support for including a program of early learning for vulnerable preschoolers in the definition of basic education which is what the bill as currently written stops short of asserting.
While SB 6759 does offer an alternative to the Governor-requested SB 6517, some advocates stress that enough studying has been done on the topic. Previous studies and legislative action on education reform shows strong and widespread support for inclusion in basic education. For instance four clear examples that indicate a program of early learning for at-risk 3- and 4-year olds should be included in the definition of basic education are:
Sen. Kauffman acknowledged this past work and that all the work groups have recommended that a program of early learning be included in the definition of basic education. She said that her bill offers a work group to address the remaining questions.
ECEAP briefing in Senate Early Learning Committee
Also at Wednesday’s hearing, the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Committee heard a briefing on ECEAP, the state subsidized early learning program for 3- and 4-year-olds. The briefing built members’ knowledge of the state’s existing subsidized preschool program known for its high level of quality. The key take-away from this briefing is that the demand for preschool is high. Sens. McAuliffe (Committee Chair) and King (Committee Ranking Minority Member) were alarmed at the length of the waiting list.
At the hearing, DEL Deputy Director Bob Hamilton described the program’s mission and outcomes. He highlighted that 93% of DEL’s budget supports ECEAP, meaning that most state funding for early learning goes toward ECEAP. Hamilton reported that 3,540 eligible children are currently on the program’s waiting list, the largest wait-list to date. He went on to describe the diverse delivery system by school districts and other community providers. Additionally, Hamilton discussed the emphasis on parent engagement; focus on the needs of the whole child, including health, oral health and social and emotional development; and data.
Discussion of Quality Education Council Final Report and Recommendations
Policy committees in the House and Senate heard presentations regarding the final report of the Quality Education Council (QEC).
The QEC was created by HB 2261, which was an education reform bill that passed in 2009. The QEC’s charge was to: “recommend and inform the ongoing implementation by the legislature of an evolving program of basic education and the financing necessary to support such program.” Additionally, “the council shall develop strategic recommendations on the program of basic education for the common schools.”
Even though the Governor vetoed the portion of HB 2261 that would have included a program for vulnerable preschoolers in the definition of basic education, the QEC report and final recommendations addressed that issue. Recommendation #7 in the final report supports inclusion in the definition of basic education (see p7 at http://www.k12.wa.us/QEC/pubdocs/QECJan2010ReportMinorityReport.pdf).
Tuesday, 1/26, the House Education Appropriations Committee reviewed the QEC final report and recommendations. The Committee was briefed on the QEC’s recommendation to include early learning for at-risk children in the definition of basic education. Committee staff noted that the AG’s opinion was released at the conclusion of the QEC’s work, but the recommendation did go forward. Staff has also shared that in her Minority Report, Sen. McAuliffe wrote that without full discussion of the AG’s opinion, it would be premature to expand the definition.
Thursday, 1/28, the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Committee also held a public hearing on the QEC’s recommendations. The committee also heard comments on SB 6761 which is a bill to implement the QEC’s recommendations, excluding the recommendation to include preschool for vulnerable 3- and 4-year olds in the definition of basic education. See bill summary at http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2009-10/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/Senate/6761%20SBA%20EDU%2010.pdf.
Transfer of ITEIP discussed in House and Senate
Both the Senate and House early learning policy committees discussed the issue of transferring administration of the infant toddler early intervention program, or ITEIP, from the Dept. of Social Health and Services (DSHS) to the Dept. of Early Learning (DEL).
On Wednesday, 1/27, a public hearing was held on SB 6593 in the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Committee. Supporters stated that the program would receive the appropriate focus within DEL, believing that all young children should be served within DEL. DEL staff highlighted their support for this transfer and thanked DSHS for their partnership in this process.
On Thursday, 1/28, the House Early Learning and Children’s Services Committee held a public hearing on HB 2741, the companion bill to SB 6593. Similar to the Senate hearing, testimony was in support of the transfer. DEL Deputy Director Bob Hamilton testified in support of the transfer and was appreciative of the partnership with DSHS which has led to this proposed transfer.
Working Connections Child Care (WCCC)
The House Early Learning and Children’s Services Committee is scheduled to hear HB 3141 on Friday, 1/29. Sponsored by Rep. Kagi, this bill makes a number of changes to the state’s Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program. A large component within TANF is WCCC which subsidies child care for low-income families. With regard to WCCC the bill seeks to streamline the child care eligibility process. The bill would create twelve-month authorization for WCCC, unless a change in circumstance occurs, beginning in fiscal year 2013 and twelve-month authorization for ECEAP, Head Start and early Head Start beginning in fiscal year 2011. It also directs DEL to establish and implement policies in WCCC to promote stability and quality.
Early learning advocates are posed to fight proposed cuts to WCCC as WCCC provides low-income families with financial assistance for child care. The governor’s budget proposals suggest significant cuts to WCCC. For analysis, see Schmudget Blog hosted by the Washington State Budget Policy Center at: http://www.budgetandpolicy.org/schmudget/important-work-support-in-jeopardy-1.
FEDERAL NEWS
This week at the federal level there were significant announcements from the White House that elevated the focus on early childhood issues, by signaling that early learning investments are still a high priority for the federal government and the hope is that states will follow suit.
On Monday, the President Obama and Vice President Biden announced some initiatives designed to help middle-class families struggling to survive in today’s economy. For the past year Vice President Biden, the Chair of the White House Task Force on Middle Class Families, has traveled the nation hearing from families, caregivers, educators, students, seniors, as well as policy makers and experts. As a result, one initiative the Task Force is proposing is doubling the value of the child care tax credit.
Additionally, the Task Force proposes to increase the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) by $1.6 billion which is the largest one-year increase for child care in 20 years.
CCBDG funds are used for providing subsidies for low-income parents to help them purchase child care (WCCC), expanding and enhancing quality in child care settings, and for programs that serve infants and toddlers. Current CCDBG rules require a minimum 4 percent quality set-aside, meaning 4% of CCDBG funds distributed to the state must be dedicated for quality initiatives. Thus an increase in CCDBG funds to our state will make an impact in both quality work and programs for infants and toddlers.
See press release at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/president-obama-and-vice-president-biden-preview-initiatives-middle-class-families
The President delivered his State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, 1/27.
LOCAL UNITED WAYS GALVANIZED CHAMPIONS
This week, United Ways partnered with the DEL, Thrive by Five Washington, and local early learning coalitions to hold meetings with business leaders in Bellingham and Bremerton. At these breakfasts, business leaders heard from Thrive by Five WA CEO Nina Auerbach and DEL Director Dr. Bette Hyde about the early learning movement and opportunities to speak up for early learning. Local United Ways play key roles in many local early learning coalitions that focus on building champions who take action to increase effective early childhood policies and investments.
THE R&R NETWORK FEATURED ON KING 5
Elizabeth Bonbright Thompson, Executive Director of the Washington State Child Care Resource & Referral Network, discussed the options parents have in choosing child care with Joyce Taylor from King 5 TV. See the Learning for Life video wherein Elizabeth discusses useful information for parents when they are exploring child care options: http://www.king5.com/video?id=82072607&sec=549122
Learning for Life is a week-long news series on KING 5 TV created in partnership with Thrive by Five Washington. It airs the third week of each month on KING Morning News on KONG 6/16 TV between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m.
Find links for all Learning for Life segments on Thrive by Five’s website: http://www.thrivebyfivewa.org/learningforlife.html.
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
This weekly legislative update is brought to you by the United Ways of Washington in partnership with the Washington State Child Care Resource & Referral Network. To subscribe please send the following info to Erica Hallock, CEO of UWWA, at erica.hallock@unitedway.org: (1) your name; (2) your organization name; and (3) your email address. We encourage you to forward the legislative updates to your networks. See previous updates at: http://www.unitedway-wa.org/leg_updates.html
|
Erica Hallock, President/CEO • PO Box 124 Spokane, Washington 99210-0124
• 509-991-2390 • erica.hallock@unitedway.org