What's at Stake

Latest Updates on the Baby Agenda

Our federal policy team is deeply involved in shaping decisions that impact the well-being of babies and their families.

Get an inside look at our work to protect and advance the “Baby Agenda.”

Pause in Federal Funding of Grants, Loans and Assistance

On Monday, January 27, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memo ordering federal agencies to pause the distribution of all federal grants, loans, and other financial assistance programs.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt discusses potential impacts of the Trump administration's freeze of federal grants, loans and assistance. ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP / Getty Images

What we know:

This announcement has the potential to halt public programs impacting millions of babies and their families. The freeze was scheduled to take effect yesterday at 5 PM ET before a federal judge issued a “brief administrative stay” to preserve the status quo while further litigation plays out. 

ZERO TO THREE is continuing to actively monitor the situation and gain clarity on the programs impacted by the President’s action and an understanding of how this Executive Action will impact babies and their families. 

Take action now!

Send a message to your Members of Congress and President Trump now and tell them how this freeze is detrimental to babies and families nationwide.

Millions of babies and their families benefit from services and programs funded through federal grants, including for health care, nutrition assistance, child care and early learning, housing, and more.

It is critical that you tell your Members of Congress and the Administration how this funding freeze could impact your family or the babies and families you serve. 

Natural Disaster Response

Babies and toddlers need support to weather natural disasters

woman holding child in arms

The facts:

  • Wildfire smoke affects about 7.4 million children annually in the U.S.
  • Children take cues from adults to determine if they’re safe; uncertainty can cause emotional distress.
  • Children dealing with stress and trauma associated with natural disasters may show changes in theirbehaviors or skills, disrupting routine and affecting developmental milestones.
  • Air pollution caused by wildfires can stunt lung development and increase the risk of developing respiratory illnesses and other health conditions.

Medicaid

Medicaid ensures almost 5 million babies and young children receive a healthy start in life

Dad at pediatrician office

The facts:

  • Medicaid provides access to prenatal care, screenings, sick and wellness visits, dental care and vaccines for millions of children
  • Babies who have access to Medicaid have better health
  • Medicaid currently finances over 42% of all US births
  • Medicaid is the largest source of health insurance for children living in poverty, serving 81% of children under the age of six
  • Children under 5 years old had the highest poverty rate in the country at 20.9%, as of 2024 and Medicaid provides health insurance to the majority of these children