Pelosi criticizes callous federal cuts to kids, thanks Voices and other advocates

The House yesterday approved a plan to replace its scheduled federal budget cuts with even more severe cuts, many of them affecting children’s programs. By a vote of 218-199, the House approved a “reconciliation” bill that would spare at the…

Myths about food stamps debunked

Congress has begun renewing the big Farm Bill legislation. Why does this matter to kids? Because that’s where the food stamps program, now known as SNAP, gets its support.

So the Farm Bill debate is also a hunger and child…

Voices stands up to House budget resolution that’s brutal on kids and families

The U.S. House this week passed a budget resolution that would sacrifice vital programs for children and families in favor of defense spending and tax cuts for the rich. The spending plan, devised by House budget chair Paul Ryan, would…

Congress could increase rents on 500,000 low-income families

A version of The Affordable Housing and Self-Sufficiency Improvement Act (AHSSIA) that increases the rents for 500,000 of the nation’s poorest families is scheduled for consideration by the House Financial Services Committee in the near future. This measure requires housing…

Some progress on No Child Left Behind, but is it good for kids?

Last week the House made some progress on renewing No Child Left Behind, the controversial education law. Two components of what would be a renewed No Child Left Behind passed a House committee on Tuesday, and would make big changes…

Health reform law wins coverage for 50,000 Americans with pre-existing conditions

Most of the benefits of health reform kick in starting 2014, including protection for Americans with so-called “pre-existing conditions” from discrimination. (Of course, one of our favorite parts of the health reform legislation is that kids with pre-existing conditions already…

President Obama’s budget and kids

Last week President Obama outlined his proposed budget for federal spending in fiscal year 2013. The role of government has been hugely controversial as the election season gears up, and child advocates have had to defend cherished aid for needy…

Child nutrition programs even when school’s out for the summer

School meals provide vital nutrition to children from low-income families, ensuring that everyone in class arrives ready to learn. But what about when school’s out for the summer?

Since 1968 the federal government has provided cities with…

Voices applauds child investment in Obama’s budget

President Obama today released his proposed federal budget, and Voices was pleased to see many investments in child well-being, particularly in education. Obama’s blueprint includes $30 billion to modernize at least 35,000 schools and another $30 billion to help states…

Child advocates on the State of the Union

Last week President Obama gave Congress and the nation some details on his plan for “An America Built to Last.” His third State of the Union address primarily focused on economic issues, but had many implications for children, especially in…