Rep. Kagi reappointed to Chair Early Learning and Human Services Committee

Washington State Legislative Support Services

Rep. Ruth Kagi, a nationally recognized leader on early learning, has been reappointed to chair the House Early Learning and Human Services committee for the 2015 session.

Since first coming to the state legislature in 1999, Kagi’s focus has been on improving early learning opportunities and quality child care options for children and families, strengthening the state’s foster care system, and reducing child poverty. 

In recent years Rep. Kagi has fought to preserve these safety net and foster care programs that keep children and families off the streets. 

“The Great Recession has had a devastating impact on Washington’s most vulnerable – children, single mothers, those with disabilities, and the elderly,” Kagi said. 

“Poverty and child homelessness have increased significantly in the last five years. It’s time to recognize the devastating effect the recession and budget cuts have had on our families, schools, and communities.”

Rep. Kagi has also focused her efforts on building and expanding quality childcare and early learning programs in our state, and was recently honored by the Early Learning Action Alliance with the Gold Crayon Award. 

“We know that almost half our state’s children arrive at kindergarten unprepared to succeed,” Kagi said. Quality early learning can change the trajectory of a child’s life, but Washington invests less than one cent of each tax dollar on early learning. We can’t afford to keep missing this window of opportunity. All Washington’s children deserve an equal opportunity to succeed.”

In addition to her chair position, Rep. Kagi will also serve on the Appropriations committee.