President Biden’s FY2024 Budget Calls for Bold Investments in Families While Missing the Mark on Immigration and Criminal Justice Reforms

President Biden released his FY 2024 budget yesterday, outlining his priorities for federal investments in the health, wellbeing, and economic security of children, working families, seniors, and communities. Over the past few years, the U.S. demonstrated that, with the political will, we can dramatically reduce child poverty, expand health coverage, and support workers and caregivers—all of which in turn expanded the economy and reduced racial inequities. The question now is whether we will continue to build on these investments and ensure that our economy works for all. In some instances, the administration is proposing bold and effective policies that advance equity and prosperity. In others, especially immigration and public safety, their policies undermine these goals.

CLASP is alarmed by recent reports that the Biden Administration is considering reinstating the use of family detention. We strongly believe that jailing children and families is a terrible option that should never be considered.

Read our new blog that discusses recommendations for changes to the mental health system, especially as the 2023 omnibus spending package failed to make major reforms in our mental health system that Black, Indigenous, and other people of color need.