I heard you.

Recently, I asked you to tell me your top priority for the session. Thousands of Washingtonians told me, “Fund the schools.”

I listened, and last night, I announced my top priority for the next legislative session — and a real plan for action.

The $2.2 billion proposal I outlined last night lays out plans to improve education at all levels, including a $1.3 billion investment in basic education — the largest our state has seen in two decades — that would reduce class sizes in early grades, implement full-day kindergarten, and cover special education and school costs. And the $130 million investment in early education I’ve proposed would be our largest ever.

But with a plan this ambitious, you can bet there will be naysayers — opponents who will claim that it costs too much, that it can’t be done, or that it’s just not a priority for Washington voters.

I need you to help me prove them wrong, and show we have the momentum to pass this plan.

Do you believe Washington students deserve real action on education in the upcoming legislative session? Click here to learn more about my plan and show your support.

Our state is long overdue for a plan that takes education seriously.

Almost three years ago, the Washington Supreme Court unanimously declared that our state had failed to fulfill its constitutional duty to amply provide for education — and that it needed to take immediate action.

Since taking office, I’ve already delivered $1 billion in additional funds to fill in the gap, fighting tooth and nail for every dime. But some leaders still want to kick the can down the road, even after the court held the legislature in contempt earlier this year.

But today’s students shouldn’t be robbed of a high-quality education with only vague promises for action in the future. They deserve immediate action.

If we succeed in passing my plan, we’ll invest in the full continuum of education from early learning to higher education, with greater access and affordability, higher graduation rates, and increased investments in quality educators and administrators.

And with a $26.4 million investment in math and science education in colleges and universities and job training and education for adults without a diploma, we’ll create new jobs by showing employers that building their factories, laboratories, and offices in Washington will give them access to some of the best educated workers in the country.

But to make that happen, I need your help to show that Washington demands action now — not years down the road.

Help me pass a plan that puts Washington students first and prepares them for the jobs of the future. Click here to read more about my plan to improve education, and declare your support.

A comprehensive plan on this scale has been a long time coming, and our kids have waited long enough. Thanks for helping build the support I need to take action now.

Very truly yours,

Jay Inslee