Governor Gregoire Signs Bill to Streamline Early Learning

For Immediate Release: March 28, 2006

Measure will establish a cabinet-level department of early learning


OLYMPIA � Governor Chris Gregoire in Olympia today signed into law a measure she requested that will consolidate Washington�s scattered early learning and child care programs into one cabinet-level agency, the Department of Early Learning.

�We must prepare Washington children to succeed in a global economy and, with this new department, we are making it clear that education in Washington begins long before kindergarten,� said Governor Gregoire. �Early learning is the new frontier in education and Washington can lead the nation in quality child care and early learning programs.�

Washington�s early learning programs are currently administered by three separate state agencies. Under the direction of the new Director of the Department of Early Learning, these functions will be combined into one department that will reduce bureaucracy, utilize funds more efficiently and serve as an effective resource for parents and teachers.

For information on all bill action, please visit Governor Gregoire's website or the Washington Legislature website.

Legislation signed today by Governor Gregoire:

House Bills:
�1107, 1650, 1966, 2002, 2033, 2544, 2553, 2569, 2612, 2678, 2704, 2880, 2884, 2964, 3019, 3164 and 3205.

Senate Bills:
�5204, 6234, 6308, 6427, 6441, 6568, 6570, 6571, 6613, 6676, 6680, 6717, 6720, 6806 and 6851.
�The Governor issued a partial veto on SB 6234, on Section 18.


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