Establishing the preK promise account (HB 2159)
Score:
0
%
Washington
2026
Creates a PreK Promise account to fund Washington's state pre-K program. The account can take gifts, grants, and donations, earns investment interest, and does not revert to the general fund. The agency can spend the money without a new budget vote and must track each donor's funds. Money can be used only for eligible children. This could add pre-K seats faster, cut waitlists, and let community donors support local kids. Takes effect immediately.
Vote Yes on this bill if you want a dedicated, flexible account to boost state pre-K with gifts and grants, keep funds from expiring, earn investment income, track donors, and speed adding seats for eligible children.
Early childhood advocates, school districts, child care providers, philanthropic foundations, and business groups focused on workforce readiness may support this bill because it creates a dedicated pre-K fund that can accept donations, earn interest, and be spent quickly on eligible children.
Supported By
Vote No on this bill if you want pre-K funded only through the regular budget, prefer unspent money to return to the general fund, and oppose creating special accounts that can spend without a new legislative appropriation.
Taxpayer watchdogs, fiscal conservatives, and equity and transparency advocates may oppose this bill because it allows spending outside the normal appropriations process and could let donor priorities influence where pre-K seats expand.
