Connect for Kids / Child Advocacy 360 / Youth Policy Action Center - CFK Articles, Kids & Politics

For Young Americans, Health Care Reform is Our Fight

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 09:59:26 -0500

CNN’s poll released [in August] shows a striking generational divide over support of Obama’s health care plan, with the reform being significantly more popular among young people than among adults over the age of 50. Nevertheless, every day I try new responses to those that ignorantly assume I don’t care about health care reform because I’m under 30 and supposedly invincible.

On the Hill: “Hunger after the School Bell” as Advocates Gear Up for the Child Nutrition Act Reauthorization

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:45:12 -0500

A July 8 Congressional briefing hosted by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) and the Afterschool Alliance laid out some surprising facts and inspiring optimism about this fall’s opportunity to build a better food program for the nation’s vulnerable children. CFK has this field report.

A New White House Initiative to Strengthen Community College

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:39:39 -0500

Community colleges across the country are struggling to meet an unprecedented surge in enrollment, largely driven by the economy—even as states are slashing funds needed to serve these students. The Obama administration has unveiled a two-pronged plan to sustain community colleges and measure their effectiveness. CFK's Maria Allen joined a July 14 teleconference with White House officials to bring you the scoop.

The Real Measure of Child Poverty, and What We Can Do About It: Congressional Briefing

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:48:18 -0500

At this time of tight budgets and high price tags, overlooking opportunities to invest in youth is the biggest mistake Americans can make, according to a July 2009 Capitol Hill briefing hosted by the Coalition on Human Needs and co-sponsored by Sen. Dodd (D-CT) and Rep. McDermott (D-WA).

Health Care Reform: What’s in it for Kids & Families Fact Sheet

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:38:54 -0500

A CFK summary and list of some key issues in health care reform. This is constantly evolving, so check back often.

Helping Families Save their Homes Act (and HEARTH): What it Means for Kids

Thu, 21 May 2009 09:44:35 -0500

Congress passed the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act, which includes the HEARTH Act reauthorizing the HUD McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act programs. Is it good for children and youth? Yes—but there's a major missed opportunity, according to an analysis from the nonpartisan advocacy group First Focus.

In Congress, a Growing Movement for a White House Office on Children & Youth

Wed, 06 May 2009 17:03:09 -0500

A national campaign is gaining momentum to urge President Obama and Congress to create a White House Office on Children and Youth, that will centralize leadership across the 12 departments and agencies that provide federal services and funds for children and youth.

The Federal Budget Process in Congress: 2009

Wed, 06 May 2009 10:18:22 -0500

The latest federal budget is making its way through Congress. So what's in it for children and young people?

Youth Video Draws Obama to ‘Early College’ School

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:05:08 -0500

How a student YouTube posting brought top-level attention to a growing initiative that connects under-represented young people to college campuses—Jamaal Abdul-Alim of Youth Today reports.

Obama Signs “Largest Investment in Education in the Nation’s History”

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 10:53:06 -0500

The economic recovery bill, signed into law by President Obama on February 17, includes more than $100 Billion for the U.S. Department of Education. That’s less than the original House bill asked for, but more than twice last year’s federal education funding, as the Alliance for Excellent Education reports.

How Kids Fare in the Federal Budget: the Lowlights

Wed, 06 May 2009 10:10:05 -0500

President Bush's fiscal year 2009 budget proposal includes $2.8 billion in cuts to programs that impact children—a 3 percent drop from last year's federal budget. First Focus, a bipartisan children's advocacy organization, takes a reader-friendly look at the numbers and what they say about our nation's priorities.

For U.S. Children, Mixed End to 110th Congress

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:35:31 -0500

At the end of 2008, child advocates across the country quietly cheered some successes in Congress—including significant reform to the child welfare system—while raising concerns about a setback that may leave many homeless children without services they need.

CFK PolicyWatch: What Adults Who Care About Kids are Cheering—and Watching—in 2008 and 2009

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:15:05 -0500

To borrow a tagline and flip it: what happens in Washington, doesn’t stay in Washington—far from it. Budget and policy decisions on Capitol Hill (and in state capitals across the country) have a big impact on even the smallest neighborhoods.

Toward a Brighter Future: NCY Announces National Children and Youth Policy Agenda

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:15:35 -0600

September 15— The National Collaboration for Youth (NCY), a 40 year old coalition of youth-serving nonprofits, has proposed a national policy agenda, “Toward a Brighter Future: An Essential Agenda for America’s Young People.”

Step Up for Kids Day 2008

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:29:12 -0500

The Every Child Matters Education Fund and its local, state and national partners are hosting a nonpartisan event on the capitol steps in Washington, DC, and all 50 states to draw public attention to issues affecting America's children—poverty, health care, juvenile incarceration, early care and education, child abuse, and after-school programs.