2019 Legislative Agenda Issue Update: Housing and Ending Homelessness

Housing and ending homelessness is one of nine issues on the Alliance 2019 Legislative Agenda, along with two additional issues being monitored. This email alert is part of a series that provides more information on each priority issue on the Agenda. This Agenda is crafted by the Alliance Steering Committee annually in partnership with early childhood organizations that are advancing policy solutions through the legislative process.

Continue reading for more information on this priority issue, including data and talking points, connections to the lead organizations and other partners, and advocacy tools.

Data and Talking Points

"Increased state investments in creating affordable housing and reducing homelessness are key to children's well-being and their future success in life."

Safe, Stable, and Affordable Housing is Crucial in the Early Years

An adequate supply of safe, stable and affordable housing positively impacts young children's health, safety, economic security, early care, and education. Unsafe housing with mold or lead paint issues can negatively affect children's health and cognitive abilities by leading to asthma or elevated lead blood levels. The stress of homelessness on young children has well documented negative impacts on their physical and emotional health and development, as well as on their ability to succeed in school and adapt socially.

Help End Child Homelessness by Investing In Housing and Services

All Vermonters deserve safe, stable and affordable housing, especially our children. We are making progress on homelessness, but need to increase state investments. The Alliance supports the Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition in securing full, statutory funding for the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB), $21.8 million for FY'20. Further, we support the Coalition's efforts to increase state rental assistance, housing related financial supports, and supportive services for homeless and at-risk families with children. Lastly, we continue to support a $2/night Occupancy Fee on hotel and motel stays, paid mostly by out-of-state tourists, with the projected $7.2 million in revenues dedicated to housing and homelessness.

Lead Organization: Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition 

Resources and Advocacy Tools 

Schedule an Advocacy Training on Legislative Issues 

Schedule an Alliance training for parents and professionals interested in strengthening advocacy techniques and communication skills. Be informed and ensure your voice is heard on issues impacting Vermont's young children, families and the early childhood workforce.

Early Childhood Day at the Legislature - 3/13/19

Mark your calendar for the 25th Annual Early Childhood Day at the Legislature at the Capitol Plaza Hotel and Vermont State House in Montpelier on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm! Registration will open in late January, but in the meantime, see a recap of ECDL 2018 on our website.

Early Childhood Day at the Legislature (ECDL) is an annual day of advocacy, education, and networking co-hosted by the Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance, Let's Grow Kids, and Building Bright Futures, that brings together early childhood professionals and providers, parents, employers, business owners, and policymakers to engage on early childhood issues.

The Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance is a statewide advocacy coalition formed in 2000 of early childhood professionals and providers, parents, and employers committed to improving public policies that impact young children from birth to age eight on issues of health, safety, food security, economic security, and early care and education.

The Alliance crafts an annual Legislative Agenda in partnership with early childhood organizations, provides year-round advocacy support, and facilitates meaningful interactions with policymakers at key times during the decision making process.

QUICK LINKS

2018 Legislative Agenda Wrap-Up

Meet the Members of the Alliance

Meet the Alliance Staff 

 

15 State Street | Montpelier , Vermont 05602

https://vecaa.org

The Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance is a program of the Vermont Community Loan Fund.

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