In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the census—and the funding it dictates—couldn’t come at a more important time. But in 2010, The undercount of Vermont’s children in the census resulted in a loss of $2,300 per child per year in federal funding, more than any other state. In addition to funding for schools, hospitals, and roads, more than 300 federal programs use census data to determine how federal funds are allocated to state and local governments. We cannot afford to lose out this time.

Yesterday, Voices sent out a policy memorandum to the Governor and Senate and House Leadership. We believe the challenge before us is two-fold: to take immediate, effective action to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable people, followed by a redesign of our broken safety net. Here are our recommendations.

The version of the paid leave bill (H. 107) that emerged from conference committee included some strong components of an equitable family leave program. However, by failing to provide universal coverage for workers to take paid time off to recover from their own serious illness or injury, H.107 ensures that inequity will continue, and likely worsen.

Whether positive or destructive - foster care is life-altering. Every child who experiences it deserves the best Vermont has to offer. Everyone needs to trust the process enough to be vulnerable. Having an outside, trusted voice is essential to instill that confidence. An Office of Child Advocate is needed to create transparency, instill trust, and guide the public officials who are responsible for its funding, policies, and structure.

Our Annual Advocacy Conference: Just Systems and Thriving Communities, for Every Child and Youth, held earlier this month at the Capitol Plaza in Montpelier, was packed with breakout sessions, plenary talks, and advocacy workshops, and brought together over 80 presenters and attendees to think about what positive change looks like on a state-wide level. What follows is just a glimpse at some of the wonderful work that took place on that day.

Vermont narrowly missed regaining a spot in the top five states for child well-being, according to the annual KIDS COUNT® Data Book, released today by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The 2019 Data Bookis the 30th edition of a yearly data study based on U.S. census and other publicly available data, representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

On Tuesday, January 22nd, 2019, the House Committee on Appropriations met to discuss the Budget Adjustment for Financial Year 2019. Two major issues of concern for Voices for Vermont’s Children are the funding of Reach Up and the Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP), two areas where a budget surplus exists despite significant unmet need for children and families.

We stand with Dr. Christine Blasey Ford as she testifies today before the Senate Judiciary Committee. As organizations that work on issues impacting the well-being of women and girls in Vermont, we know that this is an important moment for our country.