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Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

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Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

WA Lawmakers Get Early Start on the "Early Start Act"

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Wednesday, December 31, 2014   

SEATTLE - One big challenge for the 2015 Legislature is how to find the funding to improve K-through-12 education under a court order. Advocates for early learning say better funding for child care and preschool should be part of that.

In Olympia, the "Early Start Act" made it through the House last year but stalled in the Senate. Jon Gould, deputy director of the Children's Alliance, said it's coming back, and with more bipartisan support. The bill includes funding for teacher training, grants for child care and preschool facilities, and more full-day preschool programs.

"We cannot fulfill our obligation to educate all children unless they're prepared for school," he said, "and high-quality early learning does just that. It makes sure that all children, when they enter kindergarten on that first day, are prepared for the opportunities in front of them."

Gould said research shows the skills gap is widening in Washington schools for children of color and from lower-income families. He said early learning is one of the most effective ways to bridge the gap.

Gov. Jay Inslee has proposed $153 million for early learning, much of it to expand the state's ECEAP preschool program to more children.

Backers of the Early Learning Act, along with Inslee, are suggesting educational improvements could be funded with a capital gains tax on the wealthiest residents of the state, and by closing some current tax loopholes. But with a solid Republican majority now in the state Senate inclined to turn down any new tax, Gould acknowledged that it won't be easy.

"It's going to take a push to generate the amount of revenue that we need for kids and families in the state," he said. "But we believe that if it's crafted in the right way, to affect a small number of people with a large public benefit, that we can prevail."

The latest state budget estimates predict a shortfall of $2.35 billion in the next biennium, about half of it attributed to the state Supreme Court requirement to fully fund basic education.

Inslee's budget proposal is online at ofm.wa.gov.


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