BACKGROUND and KEY MESSAGES:

First Focus Campaign for Children’s Legislative Scorecard reflects the votes, bill sponsorships, and other actions lawmakers took during the first session of the 118th Congress, which began in January 2023 and ran through December 2023.

During this very short period of time, our nation’s children have gone from crossroads to crisis.

This 118th Congress began with children on a high: The federal government had made significant investments in children during the previous Congress, which spanned January 2021 to January 2023 — the height of the coronavirus pandemic and its associated economic hardship. In response, Congress and the Administration made long overdue investments in family economics, education, early childhood, child care, family medical leave, child nutrition, and health care. Investments were also made to address this global crisis internationally. Lawmakers passed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and invested wisely through the appropriations process. These efforts increased the share of federal spending on children to a record high of 11.89% in FY 2021.

When they arrived in the 118th Congress, lawmakers faced a choice: Continue the progress children had finally won or send them back into crisis, where poverty, hunger, homelessness, lack of health insurance, and other struggles are on the rise.

Sadly, many lawmakers chose crisis.

Now, more than ever, children need policymakers to be Champions and Defenders who are willing to focus on, support, raise their voices for, and attach their names to legislation that would improve the lives of our nation’s children. These Champions and Defenders must also actively oppose legislation or regulatory and administrative actions that would harm kids.

Consequently, this report is about accountability. The Legislative Scorecard recognizes those lawmakers in the 118th Congress who actively worked to make children a greater priority in the halls of Congress.

 Learn more and view the report at www.ffccscorecard.org.

SOCIAL MEDIA and HASHTAG USE:

Use #InvestInKids to participate in this promotional campaign for the report, available on www.ffccscorecard.org and the First Focus Campaign for Children site www.campaignforchildren.org.

Sample Language

Honored to be named a Defender of Children in the @Campaign4Kids scorecard. I’m going to continue fighting for policies and legislation that make children a priority in our nation. #InvestInKids

Proud to be named Defender of Children by @campaign4kids, but the work isn't over. Rising costs & threats to healthcare, education, & child nutrition mean we must keep fighting for every child. Join me in demanding Congress #InvestInKids & make their well-being a top priority.

Our children are in crisis & they deserve better. That's why I stood up as a Defender of Children in the 118th Congress. Let's all join @campaign4kids in holding every lawmakers accountable —ensuring every vote & every bill prioritizes a brighter future for all children. #InvestInKids

Child poverty isn't inevitable. It's a policy choice. That's why I'm honored to be named a Defender of Children by @campaign4kids & why I fought for policies that put kids first in the 118th Congress. Now, let's build on this progress & make every child's potential a reality. #InvestInKids

The future belongs to our children. Being named a Defender of Children by @campaign4kids is a responsibility I don't take lightly. In the 118th Congress, I fought for them. But the fight continues —let's work together to make children a true national priority. #InvestInKids

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SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE and BLOG POSTS:

If you would like assistance with placement or further customization, please contact First Focus VP of Media and Communications Michele Kayal at MicheleK@firstfocus.org