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Healthy Families EITC Coalition Submits a Letter on Tax Relief Implementation in Economic Development Bill Negotiations

On July 27, 2022, the Healthy Families EITC coalition, a statewide nonpartisan network of advocates working to improve the health and well-being of Massachusetts families through an expansion of the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), submitted…
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Children’s HealthWatch Commends the US House Education & Labor Committee for Introducing the Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids Act

Children’s HealthWatch commends the US House Education & Labor Committee for introducing the Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids Act, which reauthorizes child nutrition programs with robust, evidence-based solutions. This proposal strengthens…
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Dr. Maureen Black Testifies to the House Committee on the Budget

Dr. Maureen Black, Children's HealthWatch Principal Investigator, provided a testimony to Chairman Yarmuth, Ranking Member Smith, and Members of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Budget on the subject of “Examining the Powerful…
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Wednesday, June 20, 2022 - Watch the Recording of Examining the Powerful Impact of Investments in Early Childhood for Children, Families, and Our Nation’s Economy

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Type of Child Care Setting Is Associated with Child Care Constraints and Food Insecurity Among Families with Low-Incomes

Originally posted on Academic Pediatrics. Abstract Objective High quality child care positively affects long-term development in children and is a necessary support for parents who work or are in school. We assessed the association between…
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Recommendations for the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health

On July 15, 2022, Children’s HealthWatch submitted a letter to Ambassador Susan Rice on recommendations for the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. Given decades of research on the topic, the need to eliminate food insecurity…
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Statement on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Ruling

As pediatricians and public health researchers committed to advancing health equity for all families with young children – particularly families marginalized by unjust policies and systemic racism – we are deeply disheartened by the reversal…
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Hunger Vital Sign Explainer Series

Originally posted on Bi-State Primary Care Association. The Hunger Vital Sign is a screening tool for identifying households at risk of food insecurity. The creation of this tool offers valuable insights into how we can make health-related…
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Harness the Power of Your Story: How Storytelling Informs Policy

“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” – Former U.S. Representative Shirley Chisholm, New York At any level, our elected officials’ fundamental role and responsibility is to reflect and advocate for…

Our Policy Focus Areas

Children’s HealthWatch research and policy analysis specifically focuses on the child health and developmental impacts of economic hardships with a particular focus on food insecurity, unstable housing, health care hardships and inability to afford adequate household energy.

  • Food Security

    Consistent access to food for all family members is crucial for ensuring children are healthy. Food and nutrition assistance programs are an essential cornerstone in supporting the health and well-being of low-income families.

  • Housing Stability

    Stable housing supports healthy growth and development among young children, and means families are not behind on rent, moving frequently, doubled up, overcrowded, or homeless. Policies that create affordable housing options that provide access to safe, stable housing help ensure young children and their families can thrive and be successful in life.

  • Energy Security

    Maintaining consistent utility services so homes are heated in the winter and cooled in the summer is critical for children’s health and safety. Energy supports protect families from the harmful health effects of having their utilities shut off.

  • Health Care Hardships

    When families are forced to choose between paying for health care, such as medical care and prescriptions, and other basic needs such as food, rent, child care, or utility bills, that decision can have an effect on the health and wellbeing of young children. Providing supports necessary to care for children, especially those with special health care needs, is crucial for improving child health.

  • Poverty

    Alleviating economic hardships for families with young children will require comprehensive policy solutions including improvements to nutrition assistance programs, increasing access to affordable housing, providing energy assistance, making work pay through reducing cliff effects and increasing  and expanding access to the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, providing affordable child care to all children, and supporting the health and development of all children.

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