Blog

Administrative Burden: Everyone Pays when Eligible Families Can’t Access Public Assistance

By Jacque Whearty, Policy Manager Imagine that you just found out you may qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which will help you feed your two children. But first, you need to fill

Investing in Young Children Strengthens our Economy  

Policies supporting early childhood help people meet their full potential, as well as facilitate economic growth. Tax credits reduce child poverty, paid family leave improves parents’ mental health, and Early Head Start programs enhance literacy

June Update: Prenatal-to-3 State Legislative Trends

In the past several months, legislatures throughout the United States passed transformative policies for children and families. This exciting, evidence-based legislation includes a historic investment in child care in Vermont, Medicaid expansion in North Carolina,

How States Can Give All Children the Best Chance in Life 

Opportunity begins before we are born. Beginning prenatally, certain children will face substantial obstacles to healthy development, whereas others will thrive from the start.  Opportunity follows state policy choices. Where a baby lives makes a

May Update: Prenatal-to-3 State Legislative Trends

2023 has seen great momentum to improve outcomes and equity for young children. Many state legislatures have taken action to support infants, toddlers, their families, and caregivers. This month, we tracked several bills to increase

The Earned Income Tax Credit: A Pro-Work, Anti-Poverty Tool for States

Today is Tax Day, and you may anticipate a refund. Maybe you overpaid throughout the year. Or maybe, as a parent, you benefit from the child tax credit. But did you know you may also

Highlights from the Society for Research in Child Development 2023 Biennial Meeting

“Life is complicated, and to understand it as researchers and scholars…well, we have our work cut out for us,“ said Dr. Deborah Vandell at the Society for Research in Child Development’s multidisciplinary conference. Hundreds of

Black Maternal Health Week: Building a Comprehensive System of Care

April 11th marks the start of Black Maternal Health Week, which draws attention to worsening health disparities caused by systemic racism. This week offers an opportunity to consider state policies that reduce racial and ethnic

April Update: Prenatal-to-3 State Legislative Trends 

Since our last update, legislatures and governors throughout the country have taken exciting action on state earned income tax credits (EITC), paid family leave, Medicaid expansion, extension of postpartum Medicaid coverage, and child care subsidies.

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Unwinding: New Era, New Opportunities

At the end of this month, a pandemic-era guarantee of stable health insurance for low-income families will come to an end. The Medicaid continuous coverage unwinding will trigger the most significant coverage event since the