We are supporting Advocacy that improves the lives of Vermont's young children, families, and providers
The Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance is a statewide coalition of early childhood professionals and providers, parents, and employers working together to improve 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.
2023 Legislative Agenda Results
The 2023 legislative session saw a return to fully in-person work, and resulted in a range of outcomes for the state’s early childhood community. Some issues on the Alliance’s Agenda had tremendous (and even historic) successes, while others had disappointing results.
In the end, progress was made on many of the issues on the Alliance’s 2023 Legislative Agenda. While the impacts of the pandemic continue and many elements of the early childhood system are struggling, the added investments made this session will support many key programs. Most importantly, thousands of children and families will benefit as a result, now and for many years to come.
The final outcome of the session will not be certain for a few weeks, as the Governor has indicated he may veto several bills. Legislative overrides are likely in most cases during the veto session scheduled for June 20-22. The Alliance and lead organizations will continue to track developments in the coming days.
Looking ahead, Alliance members will be hard at work over the summer and fall building support for ongoing campaigns, tracking implementation of programs that have passed, and preparing a full slate of issues for advocacy in ’24.
2023 Legislative Agenda
The Alliance’s Legislative Agenda is crafted annually in partnership with early childhood organizations that are advancing policy solutions through the legislative process related to health, safety, food security, economic security, and early care and education. The issues were selected by the Alliance’s 21-member Steering Committee. One or more lead organizations will direct legislative and advocacy strategy on each issue.
More information about the agenda and the lead organizations can be found here.
Monthly Equity Discussion Group
Many early childhood community members have renewed their personal and professional commitment to antiracism and diversity, equity, and inclusion – and want to engage in sustained learning. To support this, the Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance and its partners are convening a monthly, salon-style Equity Discussion Group via Zoom. Stay tuned for information on our next session.
You can contact Taylor, Outreach Manager, at taylor@vecaa.org if your organization would like to co-host one of these events, or if you have suggested topics or discussion materials to offer.
2023 Early Childhood Day at the Legislature
The 29th Annual Early Childhood Day at the Legislature (ECDL) was on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, in Montpelier! The issues on our 2023 Legislative Agenda played central roles at this year’s ECDL.
Despite the state being ravaged by an intense winter storm just before the Day, ECDL’23 was a success! While we are sorry that many couldn’t make it, we thank the over 120 community leaders, early childhood service providers, early educators, and others for attending morning and afternoon sessions, networking, and meeting with the over 60 legislators who joined us for our Constituent/Legislator Lunch.
Stay tuned to the Alliance’s newsletters, Facebook page, and website for more details.
We look forward to seeing you next year in-person on Wednesday, March 13, 2024!
News + Events
Sign up for our email newsletter!
Upcoming Events
Find us on Facebook
– MAIN STREET ALLIANCE