Washington Budget Writer Leaving House to Run Early Learning

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SEATTLE (AP) — Gov. Jay Inslee announced Monday he has appointed Rep. Ross Hunter, the House budget writer, to be the new director of the Department of Early Learning.

The former Microsoft executive has been involved in education policy debates for most of his 13 years in the state Legislature. Hunter replaces Bette Hyde, who in March said she was retiring after six years leading the department.

In a news release Monday, the governor said Hunter has a strong mix of skills and passion for the job.

"With landmark investments this year, Washington state is poised to be a world leader in early learning," Inslee said. "Ross will ensure that those investments bring returns for our children, making sure every family has access to quality early learning opportunities."

The governor was on his way to South Korea on a trade mission when the announcement was made.



Hunter said it was a difficult decision to leave the Legislature, but he was drawn to the opportunity to keep building the Department of Early Learning, which will receive an additional $137 million in the new two-year budget he was instrumental in crafting.

"The opportunity to improve outcomes for hundreds of thousands of at-risk children is incredibly compelling," Hunter said. "I cannot wait to get started."

The state ranks 33rd in the nation for access to state preschool for low income 4-year-olds, according to the National Institute for Early Education Research, which conducts an annual review of preschool programs.

About 42 percent of Washington children with a family income below 110 percent of the federal poverty level — $25,905 for a family of four — are currently served by either the state-run early childhood education program or the federally supported Head Start program.

The Washington Department of Early Learning estimates more than 28,000 children are eligible for these programs but are not enrolled.