Virtual Event
Special Briefing: What Federal Actions and Proposed Budget Cuts Mean for Babies and Families
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Promoting Economic Security for Families and Children
Economic security is one of the strongest predictors of long term well-being.
Too many families with young children lack the financial security needed to thrive. Research shows that young children are more likely to experience poverty than older children, with the ongoing wealth gap in the United States making the situation more challenging.
Economic support for families is crucial in helping them create stable, nurturing environments that foster healthy early development for children.
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When families struggle to afford their most basic needs, babies suffer.
Challenges and opportunities
Economic insecurity profoundly affects a significant number of babies in our country in several ways:
- Over 15% of children in the U.S. live in poverty. Families with young children need policies that enhance economic security because their development is most sensitive during this stage of their lives.
- At least one adult works in families with low-income, yet they still struggle to make ends meet. A higher minimum wage and tax relief for low-income households are necessary to address this struggle.
Children growing up in poverty face stress caused by challenges like unstable housing, poor health, hunger and violence. Strong parental support can help deter some of these effects, but without it, children are more likely to experience delays in communication, language and emotional development.
By the Numbers
A staggering number of babies are impacted by economic insecurity.
Source: Think Babies and the National Collaborative for Infants & Toddlers (2021). Economic security [Messaging brief].
We confront so many challenges as a society that if we’re all stuck in the traumas of our childhoods, we’re not going to be able to weather them. Should ZERO TO THREE realize its vision for all babies, the future really would be limitless. In an ideal future, all babies would have what they need: safety, security, and health.
Paul Spicer, PhD
Our Impact
We advocate for the federal government to take bold steps to ensure babies grow up with economic security.
Our successes include the increase in unemployment compensation, stimulus payments and temporary child tax credits made available during the pandemic.
ZERO TO THREE's efforts
We actively engage on Capitol Hill and in states nationwide. Our successes include increased unemployment payouts, stimulus payments and temporary child tax credits, which were available during the pandemic.
Some of our key advocacy issues include:
- The enhanced, fully refundable child tax credit: The expanded Child Tax Credit significantly reduced poverty by providing families with monthly payments, enabling them to meet basic needs and care for their young children. This support is especially critical for babies, as meeting essential needs like food and shelter promotes healthy development. By ensuring access to these necessities, the credit not only supports growth but also helps ease the stress families face when struggling to provide the basics for their children.
- Making child care more affordable: Affordable and accessible child care and paid family and medical leave are essential issues we support. Fewer than 4.6% of families with low or moderate income have access to child care assistance through the Child Care and Development Fund.
Through our Think Babies initiative, we work to make the potential of every baby a national priority and push for family economic stability.
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In 2024, babies won at both the federal and state levels thanks to the power of supporters raising their voices and families sharing their personal and powerful stories.
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Resource
Surgeon General Advisory on Parental Stress: How Early Childhood Policy Change Can Make a Difference
In a new advisory from the Surgeon General, the significant pressures faced by parents today are highlighted as a major concern impacting both adult and child well-being.
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Make a difference
Learn how to support economic security initiatives for families with babies and toddlers. Your involvement can help drive meaningful change. Join us in advocating for equitable policies that promote a positive future for all babies.
