News

It’s Time to Cross the Finish Line

In March 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provided bold, compassionate, and swift support to Arizonans in desperate need of a lifeline. ARPA worked to put vaccines in arms, safely reopen schools, and put food on tables. But ARPA was a targeted response to the urgent public health and economic crises; it was not necessarily a long-term solution to the many challenges facing our nation, further exacerbated by the pandemic.

Decades of disinvestment have resulted in serious deficits in our state, spanning across nearly every aspect of life. We can no longer afford the costs of inaction – it is now time for Arizona’s Senators and U.S. House members to help get the Build Back Better (BBB) Framework cross the finish line.

Though reduced in magnitude, the current BBB Framework will accomplish so much good for Arizona’s families and workforce. Arizona is ready for this investment and supports having the ultra-rich and corporations finally pay their fair share.

Positive payoffs for generations to come are in store if Congress votes to move this legislation forward. Just a few of the ambition programs outlined within the package include:

  • Universal Preschool for all 3- and 4-year Olds: Expand access to free high-quality preschool for more than 6 million children. This is a long-term program, with funding for six years.
  • Expanded Child Tax Credit: Extends the current expanded Child Tax Credit for more than 35 million American households, making refundability for the CTC permanent.
  • Housing Investment: $150 billion investment in housing affordability and reducing price pressures, including in rural areas. Funds will go towards building more than 1 million new affordable rental and single-family homes across the country, rental and down payment assistance, and public housing.

Despite the many disappointing cuts made to Build Back Better, most notably Paid Family and Medical Leave and the lowering of prescription drug prices, the vast benefit this package seeks to do cannot be overstated. Arizona needs this investment and desperately needs Senator Krysten Sinema and Senator Mark Kelly to say yes to this package.

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Events

Thank you for 35 years and counting....

Our annual gathering, Through the Eyes of a Child celebration, was a big success. More than 120 supporters gathered to celebrate CAA’s 35 years of improving the well-being of children, and the people who have worked to make it possible.  We appreciate all our sponsors, and champions for children,…

News

Children’s Action Alliance Selects January Contreras as New CEO

Children’s Action Alliance has named January Contreras to lead the organization as its new Chief Executive Officer. Contreras, a national and Arizona leader who has dedicated her career to strengthening the well-being and safety of children and families, will step into the role on December 11. “The…

News

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Nov. 1 - Through the Eyes of a Child

We can’t wait to gather as a community of champions for children at next week’s 35 YEARS: Through the Eyes of the Child. We want to share a special announcement with you as we prepare for this annual gathering. Children’s Action Alliance is pleased to announce January Contreras as our new President…

Events

Leadership Academies applications now open!

CAA and Arizona Early Childhood Alliance (AZECA) Leadership Academies are now accepting applications!  Both leadership academies are designed to bring community leaders together to amplify their voices in a unique way to influence policymakers on children and health issues.   CAA’s Lived Experience…