2023 legislative priorities
This state legislative session, the SOWA and the Youth Development Strategy Table coalition is requesting funding for youth programs with Senate Bill 5601 and a small, but critical, state infrastructure investment to help providers d our youth.
Senate Bill 5601: Funding for state youth development infrastructure ($2 Million for two years)
Currently, no state agency has purview over the youth development field, which was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. The creation of such an agency is critical to supporting the ecosystem of youth development programs. Our request includes:
- Funding for community engagement efforts ($60,000 per biennium)
- State agency staffing support and grant management ($1.64 million per biennium)
- Maintenance of a program locator website and data system (Elevate Washington) for youth, families, and other stakeholders ($300,000 per biennium)
House Bill 1386: Funding for direct-service youth development programs ($50 Million for two years)
Youth development programs have consistently provided a space for children and youth to learn and grow outside of the classroom. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the benefits of programs as schools and other critical institutions were unable to open. Challenges in academics and social-emotional learning continue for our state’s young people, and many youth development programs are unable to increase program capacity due to limited funding.
A significant investment in youth development programs would provide access for more of Washington’s young people to critical programs over the next two years. Learn more about our priorities here.
Endorsing organizations
Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County | Asia Pacific Cultural Center | Housing Hope | Foundation for Tacoma Students | Latino Community Fund of WA/Alianza Youth Leadership Program | Room One | Communities In Schools of Washington State Network | Latino Community Fund | Communities In Schools of Central Washington | Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties | The Justice for Girls Coalition of Washington State | River City Youth Ops | MENTOR Washington | League of education voters | Kinder Care Learning Companies | League of Education Voters | BBBS of Island County | Friends Of The Children Seattle | YDEKC | Arts Corps | United Way of King County | Friends of the Children – SW Washington | Junior Achievement of Washington | Washington Alliance of YMCAs | Washington State Alliance of YMCAs | The ZoNE