Policy Resource
What's in the Updated HEROES Act for Babies?
On September 28th, the House Democrats released an updated version of the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act which includes many critical supports for families. The latest iteration of the HEROES Act would provide $2.2 trillion in funding focused on meeting the needs of families facing hardship around the nation.
ZERO TO THREE examined the updated HEROES Act from the standpoint of critical needs identified for babies and families and found it includes key provisions needed to support families with young children through this crisis. The bill includes: comprehensive support for the child care system that meets the need economists estimate to be at least $50 billion; expansion of paid family and medical leave and paid sick days during and after the pandemic; additional support for families with young children who are both physically and socially isolated; emergency rental assistance to support families in remaining housed as well as an extension to the federal eviction moratorium; and boosts to the minimum and maximum SNAP benefits. Each of these provisions would help families get back to work and meet their basic needs during this unprecedented time.
The science of child development tells us that babies’ experiences during this crisis will profoundly shape their lives. Since the passage of Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, ZERO TO THREE has continued to hear directly from families with infants and toddlers, as well as child care providers, about their experiences coping with financial worries and family stress. We also have been drawing on the Rapid Early Childhood Survey, which provides an invaluable window to the experiences of families with young children during this crisis.
This analysis highlights components of the updated HEROES Act that will ultimately affect the nation’s ability to sustain the child care system, boost families’ economic security, support strong families and strong social-emotional health, and meet families’ basic needs during the pandemic and beyond, on the nation’s road to recovery.
Download ZERO TO THREE’s analysis to learn more about what is in the bill for babies.
You might also be interested in
-
Article
New Jersey to offer home visiting to every family with a newborn
In June 2021 New Jersey passed S690 which will provide all New Jersey residents access to at least one, and up to three, post-partum home visits by a specially trained registered nurse for the parent…
-
Article
Alabama Increases Funding for Home Visiting in 2021
In April 2021, Alabama passed The Education Trust Fund budget SB 189, which included many increases in funding for programs serving children and families.
-
Article
Bill Adds State Funds for Community-based Home Visiting Models in Minnesota
In 2021 Minnesota passed HF 2128, an omnibus health and human services finance bill that included $4.5 million in state funds to significantly expand voluntary home visiting for pregnant people and f…
-
Article
Advocates Share Formula Crisis Obstacles, Approaches, and Progress
Recently, ZERO TO THREE convened a small group to discuss ways in which state advocates are engaging to support families through the national formula supply crisis. We were joined by advocates from C…
-
Article
Delaware Prioritizes Home Visiting
In 2019 Delaware passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 50 (SCR 50) requiring the Department of Health and Social Services – in collaboration with the Department of Education and Delaware Home Visiting …
-
Article
Rhode Island Cross-Sector Compensation Report Drives Legislative Action
Thanks to the work of the RIght from the Start campaign, composed of Rhode Island early childhood groups, leaders, and stakeholders convened as a part of the state’s Think Babies efforts funded by ZE…