How to Prioritize Kids in Your Legislative Session: Lessons from the StatesState and local governments raise trillions of dollars in taxes and direct trillions of dollars in expenditures every year. But too little of that goes to funding robust support systems for children. States from different regions and political contexts across the country are experimenting with ways to direct a larger portion of their budgets to early childhood programs and services. As you gear up for next year’s legislative session, we’ll explore five different types of bills that state advocates are using to direct more sustained funding to early childhood. For each type of bill we’ll discuss why that type of bill might be useful in your state’s context, which states have passed similar bills, where you can find examples of bill text, and how you can pursue similar bills in your own state.Filed under:Infants and Toddlers, Early Childhood, Advocates/Intermediaries, Funders, Policymakers/Agency Leaders, Video, Fiscal Mapping, Sourcing Additional Funding, Strategic Public FinancingFiled under:Infants and Toddlers, Early Childhood, Advocates/Intermediaries, Funders, Policymakers/Agency Leaders, Video, Fiscal Mapping, Sourcing Additional Funding, Strategic Public FinancingMore Resources Publication Voter-Approved Children’s Fund Profile: Escambia County, FL The Escambia Children’s Trust aims to improve outcomes for children and youth by funding early learning, development services, health care, out-of-school programs, mental health programs, and family support services. Publication Voter-Approved Children’s Fund Profile: San Miguel County, CO Strong Start was created to ensure that all children from birth to kindergarten have access to high-quality, affordable early childhood care and education in San Miguel County, CO. Updates and Events Insights May 12, 2026 Five Ways to Put Your Fiscal Map into Action Insights April 27, 2026 With Federal and State Funding Hanging in the Balance, Local Leaders Find New Ways to Support Children and Youth News March 26, 2026 In a Tough Fiscal Moment, States Look to Raise Revenue and Kids Have a Stake Close Share it! Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Click to copy URL Link Copied!
Publication Voter-Approved Children’s Fund Profile: Escambia County, FL The Escambia Children’s Trust aims to improve outcomes for children and youth by funding early learning, development services, health care, out-of-school programs, mental health programs, and family support services.
Publication Voter-Approved Children’s Fund Profile: San Miguel County, CO Strong Start was created to ensure that all children from birth to kindergarten have access to high-quality, affordable early childhood care and education in San Miguel County, CO.
Insights April 27, 2026 With Federal and State Funding Hanging in the Balance, Local Leaders Find New Ways to Support Children and Youth