You've likely seen the headlines by now. This year‘s DC budget debates were tough. When the first draft of the District's FY 2025 budget was shared, we saw several programs and services that support DC children facing significant cuts.

Our team jumped into action partnering with advocates across the city to raise up the issues that matter most for the children and families we work with. I’m proud to share that the budget passed this month includes several great investments.

From an increase in housing vouchers to preserving supports for early childhood and perinatal mental health programs, we are making sure DC children are supported even during these tough budget years.

Some highlights:

Restored:

• Office of the Ombudsperson for Children – keeping in place a critical resource that DC children & families cannot afford to lose
• More than $31M for Access to Justice Initiative grants – providing thousands of DC residents with life-changing legal services
• Funds for the Sustainable Energy Trust Fund so more low-income families can access affordable utilities and healthier housing

Increased:

• More Vouchers to help families maintain housing stability – especially with Rapid Re-housing terminations looming
• Investments that support home visiting programs
• Funding for the Department of Buildings to address unsafe & unhealthy housing conditions

Protected:

• Support for early childhood and perinatal mental health programs
• Funding that improves placement options for youth in foster care and prevention work that helps keep families together
• The School Based Behavioral Health Peer Pilot
• Investments in attendance interventions and supports
• Funding that increases transparency around corporate landlords to better track those profiting from unhealthy housing

We know that the road ahead will be bumpy as DC anticipates further fiscal challenges. But with the support of partners and donors like you, we will continue to fight for a strong budget every year so that DC children aren’t left behind.

Sharra E. Greer

Policy Director

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