Reconciliation Bill Updates:

-The House of Representatives passed the reconciliation package in May. The bill is with the Senate where it needs a simple majority to pass. The Senate is aiming to pass the bill by July 4th.

-While there will likely be changes to the bill before it passes the Senate, the current bill would have long-term effects on children and families. This bill would:

• Increase child poverty and hunger. The estimated number of children in Colorado impacted by Child Tax Credit exclusions is over 93,000. Over 33,000 children could lose SNAP benefits.
• Decimate health care for children. Medicaid would be cut by nearly $800 billion in this bill. Medicaid covers over 500,000 children in Colorado and over 40% of births.
• Deport children and cause family separation. The total number of children in Colorado who could be impacted by ICE enforcement is over 93,000.

Less than 9% of all federal spending goes towards children. And the reconciliation bill disproportionately cuts programs that benefit children.

Birthright Citizenship Updates:

-An executive order attempted to end birthright citizenship for the children of undocumented parents. The case is currently with the Supreme Court and a decision is expected in late June or early July.

Medicaid Cuts

What we know:

• The federal government could cut Medicaid by up to $880 Billion, resulting in millions losing coverage
• 2 out of 5 rural children in Colorado receive coverage through Medicaid (Health First Colorado)
• 1 out of 3 children in urban areas have coverage through Medicaid
• 50% of children with special healthcare needs rely on Medicaid
• 1 in 4 child care workers are covered by Medicaid

Medicaid benefits for children include:

• Better educational outcomes: more likely to graduate high school and college
• Better economic outcomes: higher earnings and productivity as an adult
• Better health outcomes for their entire life

Medicaid is also a critical support for the early childhood workforce. Milestones board member Annie Lee shares more about the impact of Medicaid cuts for Coloradans.

Health Effects of Immigration Policy Change

Family detention, family member deportation, family separation, anti-immigrant harassment, and any interaction with the immigration system are considered adverse childhood experiences. That means they can impact the development of a child for life. The effects of these policies impact children regardless of the immigration status of the child.

In Colorado, 67,000 children are at risk of a parent being deported.

Effects for children include:

• Chronic fear of the arrest of a loved one, leading to toxic stress
• Social and educational disruptions
• Delayed brain development
• Behavior challenges

Learn more here.

What is Economic Mobility?

Economic mobility is a family’s capacity to attain higher income levels over several generations. You can learn more about economic mobility in our recent brief.

The federal government receives a long-term return of $10 for every $1 invested in children. Federal programs helped to cut poverty in half between 1967 and 2012. They contributed to improved health, increased education levels, and a better labor market.

In Colorado:

• 579,000: Children are covered by Medicaid

• 47,000: Kids receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) 

• 317,000: Kids receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 

• 11,100: Children are in Head Start and Early Head Start 

Federal cuts to these programs would impact the educational, health, and economic outcomes of thousands of Colorado kids for years to come.

Do you want to know how much federal funding Colorado receives for programs that support children and families? Use this tracker to learn more.