Heading into a budget season with a $500 million surplus, we call on the District’s leaders to build a budget that puts children and youth first. We co-authored this opinion editorial published by the DC Line with our colleagues at the Children's Law Center, School Justice Project, DC Fiscal Policy Institute, PAVE, DC Alliance of Youth Advocates and Georgetown Juvenile...

Testimony of Ruqiyyah Abu-Anbar, Early Childhood Policy Fellow DC Action for Children Agency Budget Oversight Hearing Fiscal Year 2019 Department of Health Before the Committee on Health Council of the District of Columbia April 9, 2018 Good afternoon, Councilmember Gray and members of the Committee on Health. Thank you for the opportunity to address the Council as it reviews the...

Testimony of Shana Bartley, Acting Executive Director DC Action for Children Agency Budget Hearing Fiscal Year 2019 Department of Health Before the Committee on Health Council of the District of Columbia April 9, 2018 Good morning, Councilmember Gray and members of the Committee on Health. Thank you for the opportunity to address the Council as it reviews the proposed Fiscal...

Dear Friend, Today, the Mayor Bowser released her proposed budget for fiscal year 2019. Our team eagerly awaits this day every year with one central question in mind: what’s in it for kids? The budget outlines her plans for residents in the District—large investments and new funding describe her priorities. Over the next few days, we will scour the budget...

Testimony of Shana Bartley, Acting Executive Director DC Action for Children Agency Performance Oversight Hearing Fiscal Year 2016-2017 Department of Health Care Finance Before the Committee on Health Council of the District of Columbia March 8, 2017 Good morning Councilmember Gray and members of the Committee on Health. Please accept my written testimony as it reviews the performance of the...

Yesterday, we testified during the FY17 Agency Budget Hearing for the Department of Health on the importance of perinatal and school health. Read our full remarks below. Testimony of HyeSook Chung, Executive Director DC Action for Children Agency Budget Hearing, Fiscal Year 2017 Department of Health Before the Committee on Health and Human Services Council of the District of Columbia...

Last week, the D.C. Council held a hearing on the budget for the Office of the State Superintendent for Education. This was after the agency held a public briefing session for advocates and providers on to answer questions about its budget. Unfortunately, very few of our questions were answered in either of these public forums. (Read our testimony.)OSSE’s budget is...

Every year, about this time, a season rolls around that inevitably stirs up some controversy. No, it isn’t spring: its budget season. With deep cuts being proposed left and right, one can’t help but to wince when they hear the most important aspect of our children’s future is on the line yet again: education. So, with such a big emphasis...

We know the sobering headlines on the economy and the implications of the District's local budget shortfall on services for your children and families. The message is clear and profound: Safety nets are being slashed and we will have to do more with less. I hear it from providers, parents and fellow advocates. There is a real risk of federal...