Blog | February 16, 2012
Parents and Kids Tell the Washington Legislature: ‘Do Not Cut Vital Programs for Families’

At Have a Heart for Kids Day last week, more than 200 parents, children and advocates delivered a powerful message to Washington state legislators: Preserve vital programs for kids and families when you balance the budget.

A morning rain stopped as children raised banners, hoisted signs declaring “Kids Not Cuts” and then led the rally onto the steps of the Capitol, accompanied by a high school drumline. Participants capped the event by meeting with legislators, who are considering a long list of spending cuts that threaten to shred critical programs for Washington’s children and families. The rally was sponsored by the Children’s Alliance to focus on its main goals for the 2012 legislative session.

To support the effort, Arcora Foundation’s SmileMobile was in Olympia, parked right outside the Capitol. The SmileMobile staff were handing out free toothbrushes and providing information about the importance of prenatal dental coverage for low-income women. Children and families were also were given tours of the dental office on wheels, which brings oral health services to children in communities with limited access to dental care.

Check out photos from the event on the Oral Health Watch Facebook page.