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.
State By State:
Legislative Champions Key to Mississippi Pre-K Victories
The story of the 2018 state-funded pre-K expansion in Mississippi is a tale of playing the long game.
Minnesota Allies Play Defense in 2018 Legislative Session
The 2018 state legislative session did not yield child-focused investments or policy, but some consequences were avoided. Allies’ child care priorities garnered broad bipartisan support throughout the legislative session and were included in the supplemental budget bill that both the House and Senate passed. The budget bill, however, also included problematic provisions, including one that could have had the unintended consequence of removing eligible individuals from public programs.
The Good and the Bad for Early Care and Education in Louisiana So Far in 2018
The Louisiana Legislature finished its regular and three special sessions with both good and bad news for young children and their families.
2018 Legislative Session Adds up to Big Wins for Colorado’s Young Children & Families
Now that the 2018 regular session of the Colorado General Assembly is completed, we’re adding up all the big wins for Colorado’s young children and families.
Children’s Leadership Council of Michigan Coalition Wins Increased Overall Spending on the Child Care Subsidy
The Children’s Leadership Council of Michigan continued its advocacy for high-quality, affordable child care and worked with advocates and policymakers to develop and prioritize policy options for investing new CCDBG funds. In the FY2019 budget, lawmakers increased overall spending on the child care subsidy to reflect increased enrollment in the program.
In Important Legislative Wins, Florida Allies Set the Stage for Early Learning System Change
New legislation means substantial funding increases in School Readiness will be in alignment with improved standards and funding needed by early learning providers to ensure quality early learning programs for children. These complex but crucial advancements are the result of years and years of advocacy.
Back on our feet: Rebuilding Kansas in 2018
At Kansas Action for Children (KAC), we look back at the 2018 legislative session with gratitude and pride.
Despite Legislative Setbacks, Oregon Advocates Build Case for Early Childhood Funding
Oregon advocates have a clear message for state policymakers: early childhood programs are critical to keeping children healthy, safe, and ready to learn.
How Alabama Used a “Business Plan” to Grow State Investments in Pre-K
This spring, state lawmakers approved an $18.5 million expansion of Alabama’s First Class Pre-K program.
Years of Work by Maryland Ally Result in Landmark Legislation on Child Care
By any reckoning, we live in an extraordinary political moment, and the impact of these tumultuous times on young children in Maryland and nationwide remains to be seen.
One Step Forward, One Step Back in Pennsylvania
Governor Tom Wolf set the tone in his budget request by increasing state investments in early learning, and legislators from both sides of the aisle came together to prioritize Pennsylvania’s children in the 2017-18 state budget.
Illinois Prohibits Early Childhood Expulsion with Landmark Legislation
On August 14, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner signed into law HB2663, legislation aimed at ending the practice of expelling infants, toddlers, and preschoolers from their early childhood programs.
