Children Now Insider: A newsletter that focuses on the power of children’s advocacy
Subscribe to the Children Now Insider, and hear from Ted Lempert about the key issues that are affecting California kids and the work Children Now is doing to ensure every kid has what they need to reach their full potential.
The Insider is sent out approximately every other month, and includes updates on policy wins, insights from Children Now experts, and stories about the power of advocacy.
Read the most recent newsletter below:
Big win for education governance reform and Children Now’s advocacy model
This week, the Governor and Legislature approved historic education governance reform: a change more than 100 years in the making. Children Now led a tightly coordinated advocacy campaign to support this effort, including this Children’s Movement statement with over 950 organizations signed on and robust communications and governmental relations work. You can learn more about this reform and Children Now’s leadership in this op-ed I authored, as well as in this recent article from EdSource: Decision time has come for Newsom’s proposal to shift control of the California Department of Education. We will continue to ensure students are prioritized as this reform is implemented in the coming year.
Children’s Movement campaign leads to support for addressing youth homelessness crisis
After originally excluding kids, the upcoming affordable housing bond – which will be on the ballot this November – now includes $150 million to develop housing for youth currently or formerly in foster care, youth experiencing homelessness, and youth at risk of homelessness. This win is in response to the letter, signed by 472 organizations in the Children’s Movement, we delivered to state leaders demanding they take action in support of this vulnerable population. You can read more about this critical issue here.
Key Presentations
Children Now staff regularly attend, present, and testify at local, state, and national events and hearings. Recent highlights include:
- Stacy Lee spoke on a panel about the importance of taking action to establish universal child care at the Every Child, Every Chance Early Childhood Education Convening, hosted by the City of LA.
- Jessica Sawko presented legislative and policy updates to members of the California STEM Network.
- I presented to the Public Policy Institute of California’s Leadership Council on education reform issues.
Children Now in the News
State superintendent will no longer manage California schools under deal Newsom cuts with Legislature – EdSource
These teens have the weight of the world on their shoulders. Mental health is taking a nosedive. – CalMatters
Report: Well-being for California kids falters as cuts loom – Public News Service
California ranks in bottom third for its support of children for 15th year – EdSource
Companies are testing baby formula for heavy metals – a new bill would make them share results – Sacramento Bee
Opinion: California Will Break Its Promise to Provide Health Care to All Kids — Unless Lawmakers Step Up – California Health Report
Why California education leaders are relieved and frustrated by Newsom’s budget – EdSource
California schools could get billions more in Newsom’s May budget revision – EdSource
Environmental Health Advocacy Day – KQED
Viewpoint: Children’s health needs real investment, not polite applause – San Francisco Business Times
New Blog Posts
Meet Our 2026 Children’s Movement Equity Fellows!
CalAIM Built a Foundation. Here’s How We Use it to Make Medi-Cal More Accessible for Families
The Environmental Hazards Harming Kids and How We Keep Them Safe
How the 2026-2027 May Revise Impacts Kids
How a Day of Advocacy Rallied to Protect Kids from Toxic Chemicals and Pollutants