Early Learning
Last session one of the bills I prime-sponsored, SB 5595, created a task force to figure out how to better align the state’s two biggest early learning programs, Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program (ECEAP) and Working Connections Child Care.
Over the Summer and Fall, I co-chaired this task force along with Representative Maureen Walsh from Walla Walla and we are working on several bills based on recommendations from the task force: SB 6067, SB 6068 & SB 6127. All three of these bills seek to improve the quality of early learning services and better integrate the two early learning programs create better access for the kids that need it most.
Our ultimate goal is to help every child arrive at school ready to learn. If we achieve that goal, we’ll close the opportunity gap that low income students now experience and help them to have success in school and in life.
Your 3rd LD Senate Team
Below is a photo of our team (Kristine, Me, Kate and Paul) dropping a bill into the “Hopper”, which starts the bill’s journey to (hopefully) becoming a law.
Here’s our 2014 line-up: Our session aide, Kate Burke, is a Spokane native and who most recently served as an AmeriCorps VISTA at Second Harvest. She’s now starting her own non-profit, Spokane Edible Tree Project, which charts and maps all fruit and nut trees in Spokane County and then harvests and donates them back into the community. Kate is known for cycling, food advocacy, and her love of hip-hop’s golden age.
Our intern, Kristine Kardell, originally hails from Aurora, Colorado but as a senior at Whitworth University she’s made Spokane her home for the last four years. Kristine played volleyball at Whitworth and she’s double majoring in International Studies and Spanish and hopes to go to law school eventually.
Paul, my Legislative Assistant, has been a part of our team for the past three years and he’s the glue that keeps everything together. Paul is an Eastern Washington University graduate and has a long list of community accomplishments, including serving as the Board President for Pedals to People.
I feel very lucky to have such talented people on our team as we work together to serve the people of the 3rd District.
Teletown Hall
Earlier this week, your 3rd District delegation held a telephone town hall to give an update on the session and hear comments from constituents about the issues and legislation most important to our community. Representatives Ormsby and Riccelli and I enjoyed the conversation and it provided valuable feedback for us.
We had several hundred people on the call but if you missed it, you can listen to a recording of the telephone town hall HERE.
If you didn’t have a chance to ask a question during the town hall and you still have one, you can email or call me. I welcome your input.
Keeping In Touch
Please don’t hesitate to contact our office with questions or comments at any time. You can reach me by e-mail (andy.billig@leg.wa.gov) or by phone at 360-786-7604.
And if you know someone who would like to get their own copy of my weekly e-newsletter, please send them to my website at http://www.senatedemocrats.wa.gov/senators/billig/ and click on the link to “Sign up for my e-newsletter” – I’ll be glad to keep them in the loop!
Onward!
Andy
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