We were thrilled to see that the original draft of the Build Back Better Act in Congress contained several transformative provisions to support children and families.
These policies would combat racial disparities in health care, take huge strides towards ensuring high-quality early learning opportunities are available for all children — not just those from wealthier families — and achieve a major victory in the fight against child poverty.
As Congress considers revising the $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill, we urge lawmakers to maintain the commitment to children envisioned in these proposals.
Please join us in calling on Congress to pass the Build Back Better Act’s landmark proposals to support children by investing in health care, early learning, and the expanded Child Tax Credit!
Health care: To support healthy children and reduce racial disparities, Congress must ensure that all kids have consistent access to health care and Texas women have access to health care before, during, and after pregnancy. To reach those health care goals, we support the Build Back Better proposals to close the health coverage gap in states that rejected Medicaid expansion, allow children to remain in their Medicaid or CHIP health insurance for 12 continuous months, offer moms 12 months of health care after their pregnancy, and more.
Early learning: Access to high-quality early learning opportunities for all children — not just those from wealthier families — is critical for supporting infants and toddlers during early childhood brain development, helping children start school ready to succeed, and ensuring parents have safe, nurturing, and affordable child care while they go to work. We support the Build Back Better early learning plan, including the proposals on child care, pre-k, Head Start, and paid family leave.
Child Tax Credit: Congress achieved an historic victory in the fight against child poverty when it temporarily expanded the Child Tax Credit earlier this year. As Texas families are getting squeezed by high prices on food, housing, and child care, the expanded Child Tax Credit is helping families afford these essentials and avoid the toxic stress of wondering whether they can afford their next meal or rent payment. That’s why it’s so important to pass the Build Back Better proposal to continue the expanded Child Tax Credit.
Thank you for raising your voice to ensure Congress passes the Build Back Better Act and enacts these critical proposals to support kids!