Highlights From Graduate Tacoma Advocacy Day 2020

Over 25 Graduate Tacoma representatives spent the day in Olympia last week meeting with members of the Pierce County Delegation and state agencies. This was our first-ever advocacy day and the goals were simple; introduce the work of this partnership, learn about our delegation’s priorities and gain experience as new advocates. Representatives met with legislators and their staffs to discuss issues around investments in early learning, student homelessness, access to education, and workforce opportunities.

We were pleasantly surprised to hear that many legislators, including Rep. Melanie Morgan and Rep. Jake Fey, were not only familiar with our work but also passionate about the issues we have prioritized this session. Rep. Mike Pellicciotti shared a particular interest in education outcomes and investments for children ages 0-5.

Time and time again, legislators shared with us their support for education policies and wrap-around services like counseling and mental health support. We learned that they are strong advocates of data transparency and believe that to build a strong economy, we must prepare the next generation of our workforce.   

Thank you to our allied partners for meeting with legislators and advocating on behalf of our community. We are grateful for the privilege to have had such genuine and productive conversations that ensure success for Washington children throughout their educational career – and beyond – is not determined by their zip code, family income, race, or ethnicity. 

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