KidsFlash Blog

Our KidsFlash blog helps child advocates and policymakers stay up to date on the latest child well-being news from the Colorado State Capitol and around the state. Find data and research on child health, early childhood education and development, K-12 education, and more. Track important legislation and policies affecting Colorado's kids. Get the inside scoop on the Children's Campaign's outreach efforts - including information on important fundraising and advocacy events, as well as efforts being undertaken by the It's About Kids and Circle of Friends networks. The KidsFlash blog is your connection to the resources and information your need to make a difference in the lives of Colorado's children.

The Federal Register – an important tool for communicating with policymakers

The Federal Register – an important tool for communicating with policymakers
Written by: Children's Campaign
Date Posted: July 20, 2018

In the broadest terms, there are two levels of advocacy at both the state and federal level. The first level (and the one that most folks are familiar with) is legislative – that is, advocacy to pass laws. The second level, regulatory advocacy, occurs after laws are passed. Laws often contain broad outlines for policies that the legislature would like to implement – for example, a policy that creates a quality rating system for child care providers.

School safety: What is being done in Colorado?

Two young boys at the Colorado state capitol, waving Colorado flags
Written by: Stephanie Perez-Carrillo
Date Posted: June 1, 2018

In the wake of recent school shootings around the nation, Colorado advocates and lawmakers have dedicated increased attention to ensuring kids are safe at school. During the past few weeks, Gov. John Hickenlooper has signed several bills (listed below) creating grant programs aimed at making schools safer.

Capitol Update: Kids are big winners as the legislature wraps up the 2018 session

The calendar on a desk of a Colorado state senator marks the final day of the session Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Written by: Children's Campaign
Date Posted: May 11, 2018

The Colorado General Assembly wrapped up its 120-day regular session this week with several big wins for kids passing in the final days. We’ll have a complete summary of wins for Colorado kids and families next week, but in the meantime, we have a few updates below on last-minute action on a few of the major bills benefiting kids. As always, you can search through all the legislation affecting kids and families that we tracked this session in the Capitol Updates section of our website.

Young children are big winners of the 2018 session

A woman and her baby at an event
Written by: Bill Jaeger
Date Posted: May 10, 2018

This session saw some of the most significant investments in the policy action and investments in the financing of early childhood learning and development than we’ve seen in years. Every single win had bipartisan sponsorship, as well as bipartisan votes of support in each chamber, which is a testam

Capitol Update: Child care contribution bill passes final legislative hurdle, school finance bill invests in early childhood and K12 classrooms; special districts for early childhood moves in Senate

Capitol Update: Child care contribution bill passes final legislative hurdle, school finance bill invests in early childhood and K12 classrooms; special districts for early childhood moves in Senate
Written by: Children's Campaign
Date Posted: May 4, 2018

Each week during sessions of the Colorado General Assembly, we bring you the latest news and analysis of legislation impacting the early development, health, and education of Colorado kids. The highlights of action this week are below, and see our website for more analysis, testimony, fact sheets, vote totals, and other information to help you stay informed. Here are a few highlights from this week:

Cap up headline: Legislators examine rural teacher shortage, child care districts and health insurance costs

Teachers lobby at the state capitol for school funding
Written by: Children's Campaign
Date Posted: April 27, 2018

Each week during sessions of the Colorado General Assembly, we bring you the latest news and analysis of legislation impacting the early development, health, and education of Colorado kids. The highlights of action this week are below, and see our website for more analysis, testimony, fact sheets, vote totals, and other information to help you stay informed. Here are a few highlights from this week

Capitol Update: We rally to protect Medicaid, the budget passes the House and more

Medicaid Rally
Written by: Children's Campaign
Date Posted: March 30, 2018

Each week during sessions of the Colorado General Assembly, we bring you the latest news and analysis of legislation impacting the early development, health, and education of Colorado kids. The highlights of action this week are below, and see our website for more analysis, testimony, fact sheets, vote totals, and other information to help you stay informed. Here are a few highlights from this week:

State Budget Package

State Budget Package
Written by: Children's Campaign
Date Posted: March 23, 2018

The “Long Bill,” or the Joint Budget Committee’s budget package for state fiscal year 2018-19, is expected to be introduced next week. The Children’s Campaign will be following a number of items in the state budget this year that are important for kids, including:

25th Anniversary KIDS COUNT report shows progress amid swings in child poverty

Group of Kids For 2018 KIDS COUNT in Colorado! Report
Written by: Children's Campaign
Date Posted: March 23, 2018

This week we gathered with supporters and policymakers to release the 2018 KIDS COUNT in Colorado!—our 25th anniversary edition. Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne offered remarks at the release event on Colorado’s progress in improving child well-being in the past 25 years—and the work that lies […]