Children's Action Alliance

The 2024 Arizona KIDS COUNT Data Book has been released. Please review this resource and share it with others on how kids are doing in Arizona with your networks. https://lnkd.in/gB5n_h4x

Don’t miss our policy briefing webinar today from 3-4 PM. Thank you to AHCCCS Director Carmen Heredia for joining us. The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a budget resolution that puts a target on Medicaid and other essential lifelines. Learn about the potential impact to health care in Arizona. Register here: https://lnkd.in/g_eJFt-7

Medicaid matters to each of us. Thank you to Representatives Ciscomani and Stanton for helping others understand the devastating impact of cuts to AHCCCS. Representative Ciscomani: Slashing Medicaid, which is a government health insurance program for primarily low-income people, "would have serious consequences, particularly in rural and predominantly Hispanic communities where hospitals and nursing homes are already struggling to keep their doors open," Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., and seven other House members wrote to House Speaker Johnson. Representative Stanton: Avoiding health care until the situation is dire is bad for patients and also strains the health care system, Stanton said. “I think the American people are going to be very angry when they put that calculus together," Stanton said. "Hospitals and health care providers in our community would be forced to drastically cut operations or close their doors, not just here in Phoenix. It would have an especially devastating impact in rural Arizona." https://lnkd.in/g3w_iGRV

If Mediciad is cut, a rise in uninsured children and families will occur. Being uninsured leads to children being unable to get care when they need it and medical debt for families. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eUHjhFg

Great news out of the Arizona Legislature today for children and families affected by the foster care system. ?? Child Neglect; Financial Resources (HB2462) – This bill would ensure that poverty alone does not lead to the separation of children and families. Thanks to Representative Stahl-Hamilton for sponsoring this bill, to Chairman Blackman for including this bill on the agenda, and to the House Government Committee for their support. ?? Child-Only TANF Bill (SB1305) – This bill would restore a stipend for relative kinship caregivers who are caring for children outside of the foster care system. Thanks to Senator Shope for sponsoring this bill, to Senator Werner for placing the bill on the committee agenda, and to the Health and Human Services Committee for their support. ?? Kinship Foster Care Stipend Increase (SB1490) – This bill would increase the financial stipend for kinship caregivers, getting closer to equity with foster parent families. Thanks to Senator Alston for sponsoring this bill and to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee for their support. Children’s Action Alliance was there to testify alongside allies. Let’s keep this momentum going!

?? ??? Monday, February 17, was Early Childhood Day at the Capitol! Children’s Action Alliance joined organizations, young children and families, and providers to advocate for smart policy solutions to address the issues with accessibility and affordability of child care. With more than 500 people registered, we had presence from all over the state!? Thank you to those who attended and met with their legislators to share their stories, thank you to the legislators who met with us and listened to the impact these issues have had on our state, and thank you to our partners for organizing such an impactful event that emphasized the importance of investing in Arizona’s youngest children.??

Today was Early Childhood Day at the state Capitol and I was so honored to meet with one of my state reps to share why I advocate for state support of early childhood programs and funding. Please check out the priority bills aimed at increasing access to childcare and parental leave and contact your reps to get some attention on these critical issues. Caring for our states youngest learners (0-5) is so important for Arizona’s workforce, businesses and future! Thank you to state Senator Carine Werner, FIRST THINGS FIRST’s Melinda Morrison Gulick and Joe Barba, Children's Action Alliance’s Michelle Crow and Kyrstyn Paulat, MPA and KinderCare Learning Companies’ Alison May.

What an incredible day! ?? Thank you to the community leaders, families, providers and organizations who joined us for Early Childhood Day at the Capitol! More than 500 people across the state came to support systemic improvements to child care affordability in Arizona. It's occasions like these where we can embrace the energy and enthusiasm of the community to emphasize the importance of early childhood education and support our children across Arizona. ARIZONA EARLY CHILDHOOD ALLIANCE ARIZONA EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ASSOCIATION Children's Action Alliance Southwest Human Development Stand for Children

Today, on Arizona’s Statehood Day, we reflect on the policies that have shaped our communities—and the decisions that will impact our future. Join us for a policy briefing on Feb. 26 to learn about key state and federal proposals affecting Arizona’s children and families, including AHCCCS/Medicaid, SNAP, and more. ?? February 26, 2025 | 3:00 PM MST | Virtual ?? https://lnkd.in/d_busSyG #ArizonaStatehoodDay #PolicyBriefing #AZFamilies

Medicaid insures about 70 million Americans. Research shows that access to Medicaid and health care reduces risk of child maltreatment and #ChildWelfare system involvement. Prioritizing and protecting Medicaid means investing in child safety and family well-being. Our latest policy bulletin can educate policy makers about this evidence as they make decisions about potential #Medicaid cuts: https://lnkd.in/g4qvSghf