Prior Updates in Public Policy
January 25, 2016: Annual Update of the HHS Poverty Guidelines
An update of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) poverty guidelines to account for last calendar year's increase in prices as measured by the Consumer Price Index.
December 18, 2015: ACF Releases Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
As a follow up to the passage of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014, this proposed rule provides guidance to states on its implementation to assist low-income families in gaining access to high quality, affordable care.
December 10, 2015: Obama Signs Every Student Succeeds Act
"Today, we celebrate the promise of early childhood education once more, as President Obama signs into law the new Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which Congress passed with significant bipartisan support, and which includes an elevated focus on the importance of the early years to long-term student success." -NAEYC Execuive Director Rhian Allvin
November 30, 2015: Every Student Succeeds Act to be Voted On
Federal lawmakers released the final text of a compromise bill to rewrite No Child Left Behind, including closely watched language outlining how the nation’s K-12 schools would be judged — and how struggling schools would be improved — if the legislation passes. Read the full text here.
October 24, 2015: Obama Administration Calls for Limits on Testing in Schools
The Obama administration declared that the push had gone too far, acknowledged its own role in the proliferation of tests, and urged schools to step back and make exams less onerous and more purposeful. The administration said it would issue “clear guidance” on testing by January.
July 2, 2015: Governor Brandstad vetos Division XVI
"I am unable to approve of the item designated as Division XVI in its entirety. This item further enlarges the taxpayer-funded child care assistance program. We must support working families. More Iowans are working than ever before and our families are seeing their incomes rise. Enlarging government programs that only further perpetuate the cliff effect felt by these families when their incomes rise and benefits are lost is not the right policy for Iowa. Additionally, with the federal and state updates already in motion, this enlargement is not recommended by the Department of Human Services at this time."
July 1, 2015: Child Care in America: 2015 State Fact Sheets
Last week, Child Care Aware of America released their 2015 State Fact Sheets looking at child care programs and working families across the country. The data is used by child care advocates, policy makers, and program administrators to identify policy changes necessary to assure children and families have access to high quality and affordable care.