In a call this summer, Wilson underscored that lawmakers had a challenging 2025 session as they worked to solve budget problems. Senate Bill 5752, which modified the Fair Start for Kids Act and made ECEAP adjustments and delays, was “probably one of the hardest bills that I’d ever had to talk about on the Senate floor.”
Fast forward to Nov. 12: Ferguson announced that Wilson would be the Senate sponsor of upcoming legislation to establish an account to accept the Ballmer Group’s ECEAP grant funds. Democratic state Rep. Steve Bergquist of Renton will carry it in the House. The governor’s office pointed out that to use the funding, Washington can’t slash the number of state-funded ECEAP slots.
Wilson said at Wednesday’s news conference that her goal has been to restore cuts made last session, and to strengthen programs for the future. She said the effects of the ECEAP investment “cannot at all be understated.”
