FEDERAL WAY, Wash. – One third of the elected board positions of Jump$tart Washington have been filled by credit union and Washington Credit Union League staffers. Jump$tart Washington is a coalition of partners including banks, credit unions, government agencies, non-profit and for-profit organizations committed to financial empowerment for residents here. Credit unions were recognized by the organization for their role in achieving 2004 milestones including the passage of financial literacy legislation signed into law by Gov. Locke, initiated by Washington Credit Union League Senior Vice President Policy/Public Advocacy Stacy Augustine. As a result of this legislation and other initiatives, the Washington League will be presented the CUNA Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award next month at the GAC in Washington DC. "Our coalition made major strides in the passage of legislation to deliver financial education to public schools in Washington in 2004," said Augustine. "Credit union leadership will play a major role in reaching the 2005 goal to raise awareness of the need of personal finance literacy among teachers, parents and students in Washington." Those elected to Jump$tart Washington's Board of Directors include: Debbie Wege, BECU; Will Rance, Washington State Employees CU; Augustine and Jamie Chase both with the Washington CUL.