On Wednesday, April 11, the Washington state Legislature reached agreement on a supplemental budget plan. The final budget will preserve funding for many services crucial to building and supporting our thriving community. This means food on the table, places to call home and early education support for thousands of Washingtonians.

We’re proud that several programs relating to United Way of King County’s priorities (meeting basic needs, ending homelessness and giving every child an equal chance for success) will continue to receive funding. Thank you for your strong advocacy and support!

Among the services receiving continued support are the State Food Assistance Program, which each year helps feed 31,000 low-income, legal Washington residents who don’t qualify for federal food assistance; the Housing Trust Fund, which creates and sustains affordable housing in Washington state; and the WaKIDS program, which helps ensure that all of Washington’s kids are well-prepared when they enter kindergarten.

For more budget details:

• Get the specifics on the outcomes of this legislative session.
• Read the final 2012 Supplemental State Operating Budget.
• Read the final Capital Budget.
• Learn about United Way’s focus areas and public policy.