It’s a start

The reconciliation package is a win for children in the face of climate change – yet moving forward we must do much more to support children and families.

By Joan Lombardi

No matter what life throws at families with young children, August is always a time of anticipation. Every year, I watch children in my neighborhood soaking up the last days of summer and getting ready to head back to school. Over many decades working to support young children and families both here in the U.S. and around the world, I've seen so many ups and downs. This past year of reconciliation attempts has been no different. Now that the Inflation Reduction bill has been signed into law, it's clear that this will not be the win that many once anticipated.  But it is a major milestone that the U.S. took this important step forward. Investment in meaningful climate mitigation and resilience is an enormous win for young children. It's not enough, but it's a start. 

After weeks of blistering hot days, we cannot neglect the significance of this investment. Young children are already at great risk due to climate disasters. What happens to our planet today will determine the quality of life we pass on to our children.  Climate policies in the United States affect not only the children here, but those around the world.  As UNICEF and so many organizations have already clearly documented, children everywhere are feeling the negative impact of environmental issues on health, nutrition, learning and overall family well-being. 

At the same time, we still have miles to go to even come close to securing the child and family policies that fit the realities of the American family. Leaving childcare, paid leave, and the child tax credit on the cutting room floor is a painful reminder of how far we still must go. The evidence was crystal clear that the child tax credit worked by helping so many parents facing material hardship. Yet it slipped away. Paid leave, one of the most basic supports we can provide to parents with newborns, remains stubbornly out of reach. The importance of quality childcare- one that is affordable to all, provides decent compensation for caregivers, and supports the economy, has been called the triple dividend. But we still have not been able to secure the investment needed to reap the benefits.

Yes, we celebrate this very important victory. However, as we move forward, we must not forget the voices of parents who continue to worry about paying the rent, finding affordable childcare or even being able to take a few weeks off when that precious baby finally arrives. We must not forget the voices of caregivers who get up every morning to provide the essential support so others can work. The United States has had decade upon decade of endless policy debate over these issues, yet we seem stuck in a time warp that is hard to understand.  

Every step forward matters. This was a big one, but certainly not the last one. Improved environmental policies, poverty reduction, maternal and child health, childcare and other supportive child and family policies, must continue to receive legislative attention and increased resources.  So, the report card going into the new school year has some important A’s for those things achieved, but still has some incompletes. We can and must do more.

About the Author

Joan Lombardi, Ph.D. is a long-time champion for young children, families and the communities that support them.