Policy & Advocacy
Every child deserves a strong start in life, but opportunities to grow and flourish are not shared equally by all infants, toddlers and their families, reflecting past and present systemic racism and barriers to critical resources.
One of ZERO TO THREE's ongoing priorities is influencing government policy to ensure that babies and toddlers have good health, strong families and positive early learning experiences.
01
Presidential leadership on early care and education
The Biden Administration’s proposed 2024 budget calls for $400 billion over 10 years for a comprehensive program that would increase early childhood educators’ compensation and enable states to increase child care options for more than 16 million young children and lower costs for parents.
02
State expansion of paid leave
- Maine and Minnesota – Both states enacted new legislation providing leave to bond with a child, address a serious health condition or care for a family member.
- Illinois – The governor signed the Paid Leave for All Workers Act, guaranteeing all employees five days of paid time off per year.
- Texas – A paid leave policy for state employees took effect in September.
Currently, 15 states, including the District of Columbia, have adopted paid family and/or medical leave.
03
State adoption of Child Tax Credits
Minnesota, Oregon and Vermont all passed bills to expand tax credits to help families with their bills and other expenses.
04
Bipartisan introduction of the Strengthening America’s Families Act (SAFA)
SAFA would support authorizing appropriations for implementing infant-toddler courts nationwide.
05
Babies and advocates return to Capitol Hill
On June 21, babies from all 50 states and the District of Columbia delivered a message to Congress: make babies a national priority by investing in what they need to thrive.
Strolling Thunder™ families held 145 meetings with Congressional offices, including 19 meetings with elected officials. The sounds of “Wheels on the Bus” reverberated throughout the halls of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building as families met with senior White House officials.
