Legislative Update

Many thanks to advocates all over Alaska who helped ensure the needs of young children and their families were not forgotten during the legislative session that ended at midnight Wednesday, May 18!

Again this session, Best Beginnings worked with the five other members of the Alaska Early Childhood Advocacy Group* to push for a state operating budget and specific bills that will improve the well-being of children and families.

Thank you to legislators who promoted these issues.

A few examples:

Funding for Best Beginnings and Head Start remained stable in the Early Learning Coordination component in the operating budget for the Department of Education & Early Development (DEED).
$5.7 million to DEED for PreK grants to school districts
$5,000,000 in capital funds to the Child Care Program Office in the Department of Health
House Bill 114 Education: Schools; Funding; Programs which contains the “Alaska Reads Act” and provides for a statewide, voluntary PreK program

If you are interested in information about more legislative actions that impact children and youth you may want to check out the Advocacy section of the Alaska Children’s Trust website.

As the campaign season ramps up for 59 out of 60 state legislative seats, for governor and lieutenant governor, for Alaska’s lone Congressional seat, and a US Senate seat – AND a new way of voting (whew!), it may be harder than ever to figure out what candidates to support. Think about what matters most to you and your family and take advantage of opportunities to learn more about candidates and what they stand for. The Alaska Early Childhood Advocacy Group is considering best ways to engage with candidates and solicit their support for solutions that will improve the lives of young children and families. We’ll keep you informed!