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As the Washington State Legislature convenes this January, families across our state are counting on lawmakers to make decisions that protect their health, stability, and future. Recent data from the KIDS COUNT® report shows Washington has fallen to 16th in the nation for overall child well-being, with troubling declines in education, health, and economic security. These numbers tell a clear story: we must act now to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive. 

What the Data Tells Us 

• Education: Washington ranks 27th in education. More than half of children ages 3–4 are not enrolled in preschool, and 16% of high school students fail to graduate on time. 

• Health: Child and teen mortality has risen by 38% since 2019, even as we maintain strong insurance coverage. 

• Economic Well-Being: Nearly one-third of children live in households burdened by high housing costs. 

• Family & Community: While Washington fares better here, —with only 2% of children living in high-poverty areas—we cannot ignore the growing pressures families face. 

These trends underscore why our legislative priorities matter more than ever. 

WithinReach’s 2026 Legislative Agenda 

At WithinReach, we believe healthy, resourced families make strong communities. This session, we are asking lawmakers to: 

1. Protect Health, Human Services, and Basic Needs 

Washington families rely on programs that provide health care, behavioral health, food security, child development, early learning, public health, and economic stability. With a significant state budget shortfall, these essential services are at risk. We urge legislators to protect funding for these programs so families don’t fall through the cracks. 

2. Support and Sustain Help Me Grow 

Help Me Grow is a community-driven system that connects families with resources to support child health and development. It is especially critical as families face uncertainties around benefits like Medicaid and SNAP. We ask lawmakers to: 

• Protect existing funding for Help Me Grow 

• Invest in the Plan of Safe Care community pathway to strengthen collaborative responses in child welfare. 

 Why This Matters 

When families have access to health care, early learning, and community supports, children are given the strong start they deserve. Protecting these programs is not just a budget decision—it’s an investment in Washington’s future. 

Together, we can reverse these troubling trends and create a Washington where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. 

Learn more about the KIDS COUNT report: Washington Falls in National Rankings for Overall Child Well-Being