The Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center aims to be a resource for state policymakers and advocates by translating the science of the developing child into the most effective policy actions and public investments for states.
Benefits of a Refundable State Earned Income Tax Credit
Implementing a refundable state earned income tax credit (EITC) of 10% of the federal credit in South Carolina would yield an annual public benefit of 10 to 1, or $159 million, to the state through increased economic activity, greater tax revenue, and reduced spending on public assistance and human service programs.
In the past month, the following states considered or passed bills that are proven, or have promise, to positively impact child, family, and economic outcomes.
Child Care
Vermont’s Legislature overrode Governor Phil Scott’s veto of H. 217, which invests $120 million per year in early childhood education (ECE). This investment raises the income eligibility for child care subsidies from 350% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to 575%, eliminates family copayments for families with income under 175% of the FPL, sets copayments for families above 175% of the FPL starting at $50 a week (and scaled based on income), and raises reimbursement rates for providers by 35%.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed H.B. 6882 into law, which expands eligibility for the School Readiness Preschool Grant Program for children starting at birth–previously only children age 3 and up were eligible.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed H.F. 707, which increases child care subsidy eligibility from 145% of the FPL to 160%.
New York’s Senate passed S. 5327, which would make caregivers eligible for full-time child care subsidies regardless of the hours they work.
The Rhode Island Department of Human Services announced salary supplements for early childhood educators earning $23 or less per hour, through the Step Up to Child Care WAGE$ Program.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed H.B. 1615 into law, which creates a scholarship for current and prospective child care professionals to pay for a Child Development Associate credential, an associates or bachelor's degree in ECE, and registered apprenticeships.
Family & Economic Supports
In Maine, a bill (L.D. 1964) to create a statewide paid family leave program has received initial approval from both the House and Senate. The program would provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave for eligible workers. The start-up funding required for the program is included in the most recent bipartisan state budget agreement. Governor Janet Mills has indicated she’ll sign the budget package once it reaches her desk. The Maine Legislature is anticipated to take up the budget in the coming weeks.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed a tax package into law that establishes a refundable child tax credit of $1,750 per child.
Nebraska enacted a tax package (L.B. 754) that establishes a child and dependent care tax credit.
Ohio's Senate passed S.B. 39, which would exempt certain baby products, including diapers, from sales and use tax. The bill will be considered by the House.
Pennsylvania’s House passed H.B. 1272, which would create a refundable state EITC of 25% of the federal credit. The bill is now in the Senate for consideration.
Maternal & Child Health
South Dakota began accepting applications for Medicaid enrollment on June 1 as part of the state’s Medicaid expansion, which went into effect on July 1. The expansion provides health insurance benefits to recipients who are ages 18 to 6 and have incomes up to 138% of the FPL.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed L.B. 227 into law, providing at least 6 months of postpartum Medicaid coverage to new parents.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo signed S.B. 232 into law, providing 12 months of postpartum Medicaid coverage to new parents.
New York’s Senate passed its amended version of A. 5435, which would establish a state community doula directory for Medicaid patients. The bill awaits a vote by the Assembly.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards signed H.B. 272 into law, authorizing private insurance for doula support services.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed S.F. 2995 into law, increasing the reimbursement rate for doulas.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed H.B. 1575 into law, adding doulas as approved providers of Medicaid case management for pregnant women. He also signed H.B. 12 into law, providing 12 months of postpartum Medicaid coverage to new parents.
Father Involvement in Breastfeeding and Infant Sleep Practices
The American Academy of Pediatrics published an article investigating the role of fathers in infant sleep practices and breastfeeding. The research explores the association between fathers’ participation in feeding routines and the duration of exclusive breastfeeding. The authors found an increase in father involvement was associated with an increase in exclusive breastfeeding duration. The study also examined the connection between fathers’ involvement in settling routines and consistent sleep practices, which found an increase in regular bedtimes and a decreased use of pacifiers and co-sleeping.
Infant and Toddler Care in Pre-K Expansion
New America published a brief exploring strategies implemented at the state and local levels to enhance infant and toddler care quality during the expansion of pre-K programs. Stressing the importance of high-quality ECE practices states and local communities have adopted. Additionally, the authors provide several recommendations, such as a mixed delivery approach for pre-K, including infant and toddler care providers in early pre-K planning phases, and considering additional revenue sources to fund ECE.
State Trends in Child Wellbeing
The Annie E. Casey Foundation released its 2023 Kids Count Data Book. The annual publication utilizes data from numerous reputable sources to inform and advise policymakers, researchers, advocacy groups, and the general public on improving the lives of children and families.
Early Childhood & Technology
The Hunt Institute is hosting a webinar on July 17 to explore how rapid technological development affects the youngest members of our society. Comprised of speakers from Children and Screens, Stanford University, and the Education Development Center, the panel will navigate the ongoing integration of technology into young children’s lives, examining both the inherent risks and transformative opportunities that arise from this digital landscape. Register for the webinar here.
Revolutionize Maternal Wellbeing Through Enhanced Family Planning
The Policy Impact Center for Maternal Mental Health is hosting a webinar on July 12 to present congressional briefings on the current insights and opportunities for optimizing family planning options for maternal wellbeing. Attendees will hear from representatives from KFF Health News, Texas A&M University, Columbia University, and NEXT Life Sciences, Inc. Register for the webinar here.
Education Writers Association Summit
Our Executive Director Dr. Cynthia Osborne attended the 2023 Education Writers Association Summit in Atlanta. During the summit, Dr. Osborne spoke to reporters about the child care crisis as part of a panel moderated by NPR’s Deepa Fernandes.
Early Learning Conference
Executive Director Dr. Cynthia Osborne delivered the keynote speech at the Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission Summit, during which she discussed the Center’s benefit-cost analysis of a potential 10% state EITC in Pennsylvania. Our analysis found a financial return of 7 to 1 to the state government.
Pennsylvania’s EITC
Dr. Osborne participated in the United Way of Pennsylvania’s press conference announcing the Pennsylvania Senate’s refundable EITC bill alongside state leaders, including State Senator Lynda Culver.
New Blog Posts!
Last month, the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center published two new blog posts:
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We're Hiring!
The Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center is hiring for various roles. Keep an eye on our job postings page and sign up for our career email list for the latest job updates. Currently, we are hiring for the following positions:
Meet Senior State Policy Analyst Sarah Ritter. Sarah joined the policy team last year and monitors the development, adoption, and implementation of state policies that support economic security and mobility for families with young children. Sarah is a proud Midwesterner with roots in both Kansas and Missouri. Sarah currently lives in St. Louis, Missouri with her husband and their two playful kitties, Lucy and Olive. She recently discovered a love for cooking and modifying recipes to make them her own. Sarah also enjoys yoga and a good cocktail. In her spare time, you can often find her relaxing on the couch reading a mystery novel or working on a house project with her husband.
Come join Sarah and the rest of our great team! Visit our job postings page and sign up for our career email list for updates.
