Early Learning & Human Services (2026)

Overview:

During the 2026 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies regarding State Human Services.

1. Snap Food Programs & Funding Cuts (2026) Legislative page, Aashi Uppal, asks a question about federal funding cuts from the House Early Learning and Human Services Committee. Chair Bergquist and Ranking Member Eslick respond with ideas to help Washingtonians with their immediate budgetary need.
2. Youth Mental Health & AI Policies (2026) Legislative page, Jaden Hong, asks members of the House Early Learning and Human Services about youth involvement in policies that address emerging technologies. Representatives Bergquist and Eslick share their reasons for wanting today’s youth to limit their screen time.
3. Addressing Juvenile Sentencing Disparities (2026) Legislative page, Amelia Florentino, asks members of the House Early Learning and Human Services committee about the complicated issue of juvenile justice. Representatives Bergquist and Eslick share some similar ideas and some disparate ones about how to address juvenile justice sentencing in Washington.

Essential Questions:

• To what extent can the state fill holes made by federal funding cuts?
• To what extent should the youth be involved in making policies surrounding teen use of technology?
• How is the state addressing problems with sentencing in the juvenile justice system?

House Early Learning & Human Services Committee

The House Early Learning and Human Services Committee considers issues relating to: