Education and Opportunity

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blue puzzle pieceNever have public investments in education and opportunity been more essential. A rapidly changing economy and growing inequality of wealth and income demand a public education system that provides all Washingtonians the opportunity to meet their goals.

The state has a fundamental role in providing an excellent education to all. High quality early learning programs can help level the playing field so that all children from different economic and social backgrounds can come to kindergarten ready to learn. A world-class K-12 education system should be available to all students whatever their individual needs or circumstances. Community and technical schools can open up high-paying employment opportunities and gateways to further education. And institutions of higher learning can offer advanced education to all students who want it.

This chapter describes our shared efforts to ensure education and opportunity for all in the state. It includes goals, measurable outcomes, and spotlights on key issues.

 

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HIGHLIGHTS

Policy Agenda

We have released Framework for Prosperity, a comprehensive policy agenda for the 2013-2015 biennium. We make specific recommendations for targeted investments that would bring our state closer to providing prosperity for all Washingtonians. We also provide revenue options to help pay for those investments. Click on the image below to download a PDF of the agenda.

 

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Catch the Budget Beat

During the 2013 legislative session we will host regular Budget Beat calls and and podcaBudget Beatsts to bring you updates and breaking news from Olympia, timely policy analysis, and share resources and upcoming community events.

Check out the archive of Budget Beat calls and podcasts. 

Join the Budget Beat calls every other Friday at noon!  

Budget Matters 2012

Our first annual policy conference was a great success! More than 300 people came together to hear from policy makers, national and state policy experts, and community leaders from around the state. Our special lunch speaker was Van Jones.

Van jones at Budget Matters 

Here are some of the PowerPoint presentations from the break-out panels.

-The Affordable Care Act: Maximizing the Opportunities

-Building a Prosperity Economy in Washington State

-Building a 21st Century Revenue System

-Effective Messaging Strategies

For pictures and more information, check out our event page.