Executive Summary
Summary
There are two elements to the budget proviso – the first element requests $5M to create a grant program at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) for youth development programs.
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OSPI would create the program and administer distribution of state funding to youth development programs across the state. They would focus on areas where kids have the least access to youth development & enrichment programs.
The second requests $100K for a capacity-building program.
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This would provide training resources and technical assistance around program design, grant management, operations, and more to increase and sustain programming for youth.
See more about this budget proviso request by visiting the Youth Development Strategy Table (YDST) 2024 Priorities page.
Background
What is a budget proviso?
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A “budget proviso” is language included in a state budget that’s dedicated for a specific purpose, like a project, grant program, study, or something else.
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Proposed budget provisos do not go through the formal legislative process, like a bill. People advocate for them by meeting with legislators, writing letters, and mobilizing others to advocate, too.
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Because they don’t follow the same process, and are usually smaller, advocating for budget provisos can be an effective strategy to get money for an important project.
What is youth development?
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“Youth development” refers to the broad array of expanded learning opportunities that schools, organizations, and communities, and organizations provide for young people outside of the traditional classroom setting.
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This can include things like sports teams, clubs for art, music, leadership development, or even self-defense, after-school or before-school tutoring, summer camps, and much more
Key Points
Access to enrichment activities and programs – particularly those based in a child’s own community – can be critical to their health and wellness. These programs have shown great impacts on children’s social-emotional wellness, mental health, performance in school, and readiness for life beyond school.
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80% of parents agree that youth development supports their child’s ability to build positive relationship with caring adults
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69% agree that these programs porvide access to nutritious foods
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78% agree that they help their child stay safe and out of trouble
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Among regular participants in youth development, 1 out 2 students improved their grades in language arts or math
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7 out of 10 students improved their homework completion and class participation
Equitable access to youth development programs remains a statewide issue that particularly affects Black communities as well as rural communities. State funding would make small step in ensuring more children get access to programs that help them grow inside and outside of the classroom.
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For every student in an afterschool program, there are 5 waiting to get into one.
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Nearly 50% of parents report there is no available afterschool program in their community.
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58% of parents of Black youth report afterschool programs are too expensive.
Source & more information: School’s Out Washington Facts & Stats
Additional Details
MORE INFO & HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
Take action by sending a message to legislators responsible for the budget!
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Click Here to participate in an action alert to the House fiscal committee members about the grant program
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Click Here to participate in an action alert to the Senate fiscal committee members about capacity-building
Support this work by joining the Youth Development Strategy Table, a statewide coalition dedicated to the youth development field in Washington!
Ways to Get Involved
Steps to Get Started
- Learn where the bill is in the legislative process.
- If there is an upcoming hearing, decide how you would like to get your voice heard and take action.
- If there is not an upcoming hearing, or if you want to supplement your advocacy, call or write your legislators.
- Spread the word and get other people on board.
Participating in a Hearing
Sign in Pro, Con, or Other
This is when individuals, advocates, and organizations make their position on a particular bill known for the record. This is particularly powerful in large numbers. Many organizations will send out Action Alerts asking people to sign in Pro or Con on a bill.
Submit Written Testimony
Submitting written testimony is a great way not only to make your position known to legislators but also to explain why in more detail. This is a good option if you don’t want to speak in front of others. People also like to offer more nuance to their position by writing.
Testify Virtually
Since COVID, many legislators are allowing remote/virtual testimony for bill hearings, as it greatly expands access to the legislative process across the state. For this, individuals usually have between 1-2 minutes to state their opinion on a bill in front of the legislative committee on Zoom.