Committee Hears Plan to Create Pre-K Promise Account to Scale ECAP Slots

Senators heard testimony Jan. 19 on Senate Bill 5,872, which would establish a “pre-k promise account” in the state treasury to receive gifts, grants and donations for the state’s ECAP preschool program and allow the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) to authorize expenditures under state allotment procedures. Committee staff said a fiscal note was not yet available but creation of the account was expected to have little fiscal impact.

Andy Smith, executive director of the Ballmer Group, said the philanthropic organization has committed funding to add 10,000 new school-day seats per year over 10 years and urged lawmakers to approve the account that would accept that multi-year contribution. “We want to bring the promise of pre k to more kids faster,” Smith said. Tana Sen, secretary of DCYF, described the account as the vehicle to accept the Ballmer Group’s long-term contribution and said it would give the agency the flexibility to expand slots incrementally rather than immediately reach the 10,000 goal.

Mary Sprutty Garland, a policy adviser in the governor’s office, said the gift creates a public–private partnership that can help mitigate current budget pressures and sustain high-quality pre-K even amid broader cuts. Melissa Johnson of the Washington State Association of Head Start and ECAP and Erin Hyck of SEIU 925 testified in strong support, saying predictable funding would help reach the state’s goal of preparing children for kindergarten and prioritizing families furthest from opportunity.

During questioning, Senator Conway asked how and when donations would flow into state accounts. Committee staff and Ballmer Group representatives said funds would be deposited on a date certain on an annual basis as bills authorizing slot expansions are passed, and that DCYF would work to phase the program toward the 10-year commitment. Senator Wilson and other members emphasized research showing early intervention reduces later special-education needs and urged support.

The committee took public testimony and concluded the hearing; no vote was recorded during the session. The bill remains in committee for further consideration.