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Recent State Policy Advances

Expanded investment. Restructured agencies. New caucuses, committees, and coalitions. Read about all the ways our allies on the front lines are making their state a better place for each and every child to reach their full potential. 

Michigan Early Childhood Policy

Michigan Allies Win New Executive Orders – and a $23-Million Investment – to Address Disparities in Maternal and Infant Health Outcomes

Our Allies in Michigan have been working hard to highlight racial disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes and to build urgency around the need to achieve birth equity. Last year, their work paid off with several crucial wins, including $23.5 million in funding for a comprehensive plan to address disparities and an executive order that requires health professionals to undergo implicit bias training.

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Ohio Early Childhood Policy Advocacy

Ohio Allies Launch Innovative Center for Family Voice as Part of Ongoing Work on Race and Rural Equity

Groundwork Ohio has announced plans to build a “center of excellence” dedicated to authentically engaging Ohio parents and families in the policies and practices that impact the healthy development of their children. The Center for Family Voice will explore best practices across the state and nation that successfully engage families in public services delivery to inform state, local, and programmatic policy development.

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Oregon Early Childhood Policy

Oregon Voters Deliver Big Wins for Kids on Medicaid Expansion and Universal Preschool

Oregon voters delivered big wins for early childhood issues on ballot measures in the 2020 election — including a a tax increase on tobacco that will provide the last piece in the puzzle in fully funding the expansion of Medicaid eligibility. Both of these victories highlight the power of creating a broad coalition for developing and campaigning for policies that benefit children.

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New Mexico Opens New Early Childhood Education and Care Department

With the inauguration of the state’s new Early Childhood Education and Care Department, New Mexico has become the fourth state in the nation to have a cabinet level department dedicated to early childhood. The creation of the department reflects the Governor’s focus on improving the lives of New Mexico’s youngest children.

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Proposed Pre-K Budget Cuts in Georgia Defeated through Strategic Advocacy

Using strategic communication, research, and media outreach, our ally in Georgia helped overturn proposed budget cuts to the state’s pre-k program, secured funding for a new children’s mental health position at the state department, and extended postpartum Medicaid coverage. This victory is especially significant as states face drastically falling revenues.

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