"Parents are the ultimate role models for children. Every word, movement and action has an effect. No other person or outside force has a greater influence on a child than the parent."
--Bob Keeshan
Life is complicated, and it never seems more so than during legislative session. This week the House and Senate release their budgets, and the outcome ultimately negotiated will have significant impact on the future of children and families in Washington. At the same time, the Presidential primaries are rushing forward. The level of discourse among the candidates is often frustrating, and sometimes downright frightening. Will we elect a president who will work to improve outcomes for children and families, particularly those most lacking in opportunity? We sure hope so.
In the midst of this there are actions in government and the private sector that provide some signs of hope, and we share some briefly here. And through it all we always come back to parents. We are grateful to the more than 1,500 Washington medical providers who each day bring hope to families through the gift of a children's book, and the encouragement to parents that they "have what it takes" to help their children learn. Impact starts at home, and as the study highlighted below demonstrates, Reach Out and Read is part of the solution for families.
Providing opportunity for young children is a critical investment in the future of society. It is not, and cannot be, a partisan issue. So we reaffirm our commitment to stay involved in the political process, at the same time as we take steps to support the children and families right in front of us. Thank you for doing the same.
