Early Learning & Human Services (2025)

Overview:

During the 2025 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 youth care in Washington State.

1. Addressing Childcare Costs (2025) Senate Page, Harry Sumner, asks House Early Learning and Human Services Committee Chair: Steve Bergquist, (D) 11th District, and Ranking Committee Member, Carolyn Eslick, (R) 39th District, “…Washington has long struggled to provide ubiquitous, affordable childcare, which presents burdens for many Washingtonian families. Despite increases in funding, for example, through the capital gains tax, the problem persists. As such, what do you think is the best long-term solution to address the cost of childcare?”
2. Youth Homelessness Interventions (2025) Senate Page, Amanat Narwal, asks House Early Learning and Human Services Committee Chair: Steve Bergquist, (D) 11th District, and Ranking Committee Member, Carolyn Eslick, (R) 39th District, “… I learned that youth homelessness has become a rampant issue in Washington State, with rates at an all time high for the last school year. What sort of legislation do you propose that would provide programs to students suffering from homelessness in order to get them ready to be independent?”
3. In the Juvenile Justice System (2025) House Page, Aditi Karthikeyan, asks House Early Learning and Human Services Committee Chair: Steve Bergquist, (D) 11th District, and Ranking Committee Member, Carolyn Eslick, (R) 39th District, “…Washington State currently has three alternative paths for rehabilitation for juvenile offenders. Why is it necessary to have alternatives like this and do you support their expansion?”

Essential Questions:

• How do the beliefs of those in the majority party differ from those in the minority party? 
• How does the government take care of its most vulnerable residents?
• What reforms do the Representatives recommend to continue serving the youth in Washington?

House Early Learning & Human Services Committee:

The Early Learning & Human Services Committee considers a broad array of issues and services affecting children and families, including early learning; child care; child and youth development; child welfare services; children’s mental health; at-risk and homeless youth; juvenile justice; economic assistance programs; developmental disabilities; and long-term care.