Inflation Reduction Act Leaves Kids and Families Behind

“To see Congress disregard crucial, life-changing funding for early childhood education, child care and child nutrition is deeply distressing”

Washington, D.C. (August 12, 2022) – While a historic and important step in combatting climate change, the Inflation Reduction Act, which passed today, fails to address the worsening needs of America’s children. Since the onset of COVID-19, the needs of children and families across the country – particularly in rural America – have been greatly exacerbated. Currently, 12 million children in the U.S. go to bed hungry each night. And, child care providers are struggling to find and retain staff, leading to longer waitlists and fewer children having access to the high-quality child care that prepares them for kindergarten and beyond.

“To see Congress disregard crucial, life-changing funding for early childhood education, child care and child nutrition is deeply distressing,” said Christy Gleason, Vice President of Policy, Advocacy and Campaigns at Save the Children. “Throughout the entire reconciliation process, Save the Children has urged Congress to work towards lasting, bipartisan solutions to the issues impacting America’s kids and families. Yet, somehow, kids were left on the cutting room floor.”

When children have access to nutritious foods and high-quality early education, they have significantly better social, developmental and educational outcomes. Furthermore, investing in a child’s earliest years benefits our society and economy at-large: crime rates decrease; educational and health outcomes improve; and employment rates increase.

“Congress missed an unprecedented opportunity to change the trajectory of millions of futures – including the future of this country. Kids don’t deserve to be part of this recent political football. Enough is enough,” continued Gleason. “We implore Congress to return to the table and be proactive with a kids-first agenda before it’s too late.”

Save the Children – together with its political advocacy arm, Save the Children Action Network – reaffirms its commitment to children and families, and looks forward to working with Congress on urgent bipartisan solutions to ensure their interests and livelihoods are prioritized. 

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Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Since our founding more than 100 years ago, we've been advocating for the rights of children worldwide. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming the future we share. Our results, financial statements and charity ratings reaffirm that Save the Children is a charity you can trust. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.