In the slow heat of the summer, the 2019 Legislative Session seems so far away. (It starts in 23 weeks) Yet, its during the interim where the policy work gets done and when decision packages are developed for the upcoming budget session.  Here's a few things that are happening that might be of interest to you.

Webinar on Department of Children, Youth and Families 2019 Budget Request
The Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families is holding a one-hour webinar, 1 p.m., Tuesday, August 7, to provide an update on the 2019 legislative session budget process and the agency’s decision package currently being prepared.  There will be an opportunity ask questions and provide recommendations. Register here.

Homelessness Awareness Continues to Grow with Focus on 2019 Session
In recent months, Olympia and Thurston County have declared homelessness a public health emergency--joining Seattle and King County which made the declaration in 2015. Meanwhile, homelessness advocates gear up to build on the success of the 2018 session.  In a June Crosscut article, Michele Thomas of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance was quoted as saying that Alliance will push for the Housing Trust Fund to be increased to nearly $200 million, where it was 10 years ago.

Child Care Collaborative Task Force Holds Its First Meeting
The Child Care Collaborative Task Force held its first meeting on July 10.  Created by legislation this year, the Task Force is charged with examining the effects of child care affordability and accessibility on the workforce and on business. and assigned to the Department of Commerce to manage.  Here’s the meeting agenda and you can watch parts of the meeting on TVW.