When we support military families, we strengthen Washington | Opinion

When I talk about supporting our military, I’m not just speaking as a legislator. I’m speaking as someone who was a military child.

I remember the moves, the long absences and the uncertainty that came with my dad’s service in the Army. But I also remember the incredible sense of community — the neighbors who stepped in, the teachers who understood, the friends who became family.

That community spirit is what keeps military families strong, and it’s what drives my work in Olympia.

This month is National Veterans Military Families Appreciation Month. In the legislature, we have passed several policies or made efforts in past sessions to honor those who serve and their families. I want to highlight two upcoming efforts that turn gratitude into action — practical, bipartisan policies that would make a real difference for those who serve. I also encourage folks to take this opportunity to show appreciation to our neighbors.

Keeping our Washington National Guard strong

The first is House Bill 1073, the Keep Our Washington National Guard Strong Act. This bill has bipartisan support. Washington’s Guard members have answered every call — from wildfires and floods to serving food at local food banks to helping at health facilities — often while balancing civilian jobs and family life. These folks may be your kid’s soccer coach to the person who assisted you at a local small business. HB 1073 ensures their benefits and support systems keep pace with that growing demand and work to promote retention efforts. We can’t afford to lose Guard members to other states.

The law continues to modernize how our state coordinates benefits and support for Guard members, building on how we have worked to expand educational opportunities so Guard members and their families can thrive long after deployment ends. It’s one more way we’re investing in the strength and readiness of the men and women who ably and nobly protect our state’s families and keep our Washington communities safe.

Expanding Early Learning to Military Children

The second proposal, which I’ll be introducing this coming session, would expand Washington’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) to include military families. As one of the nation’s most effective early-learning programs, ECEAP prepares children for kindergarten while helping parents pursue education or employment.

Right now, some military families find it hard to enroll because of how income and residency rules are applied — even when their children face the same barriers as others in the program. By opening access, we can ease the stress of finding affordable, high- quality early learning for their kids. It’s a simple step that honors their service and strengthens families at a crucial stage of life.

Military families don’t ask for special treatment — just understanding and opportunity. When we reduce red tape, expand access, and strengthen family-support programs, we honor their service not with words, but with results.

With gratitude

This November, as we say “thank you” to those who serve and the families who stand beside them, let’s also commit to actions that match our appreciation. Washington has long led the nation in supporting military families — and with continued partnership and purpose, we can keep building a state where every family who serves knows they’re seen, valued, and supported.

Because when we keep our military families strong, we keep Washington strong.

Rep. Mari Leavitt, D-University Place, represents the 28th Legislative District and serves as co-chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans’ abd Military Affairs. JBLM and Camp Murray are part of her district.