The West Steps

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After over 600 bills, the 2021 Colorado legislative session ends with massive wins for kids and families Jun 11, 2021

Show notes

Although the 2021 legislative session felt like one of the longest to date, it ushered in tremendous progress for kids and families in Colorado. This session not only forced many to recognize the numerous cracks in our society exposed by the pandemic, it also led to the start of removing the many barriers that created those systemic issues in the first place. The Colorado Children’s Campaign saw a number of legislative wins across the health, early childhood, and K-12 front—but there is still so much more to be done. As we move toward post-pandemic recovery, we are excited to continue our work in realizing every chance for every child in Colorado.

In the last episode of season 3, we are joined by Riley Kitts, Government Affairs Director at the Colorado Children’s Campaign, for a final wrap up of the 2021 legislative session. Riley details the politics and policies of this session, including the many ways in which our state has begun to reinvest in the programs that lost revenue as a result of the pandemic. Riley also provides a brief overview of some of the most impactful policy wins we saw for kids this session, as well as the opportunity we have in 2022 to continue working toward legislation that creates the best possible outcome for all children. While the 2021 legislative session was only the beginning of what is to come in the future, it was undoubtedly a big step in creating a better Colorado for all kids and families.

Want to stay plugged in to the Colorado Children’s Campaign until next season? Stay up to date on the latest child well-being news by subscribing to our KidsFlash blog.

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Colorado Supreme Court issues affirmative ruling on a bill to fix our K-12 property tax system and here is what you need to know May 28, 2021

Show notes

For years, the level of funding for Colorado schools has been largely dependent on property wealth. This is primarily an unintended result of how Colorado’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) amendment, which restricted the amount of revenue the state collected and spent, was implemented. Over time, this has created enormous inequities in the way our state collects and spends money in school districts. However, the Colorado Supreme Court recently issued a decision that will change this.

Leslie Colwell, VP of Education Initiatives at the Colorado Children’s Campaign, returns to The West Steps to discuss the exciting decision made this past Monday that will allow the legislature to begin correcting this longstanding issue. The passage of HB 1164 and the Supreme Court ruling that the proposed plan to waive TABOR limits is constitutional both will address a key structural problem in our revenue system for public schools. While these changes will take place over time, they will eventually result in $290 million dollars of funding for districts. This monumental decision comes after years of dedicated work and advocacy, and will hopefully lead to more targeted investments in our schools. As this transition takes place, we need you – our advocates – to speak up on behalf of your children, schools, and communities in order to ensure these funds are allocated in a manner that best prioritizes the needs of Colorado’s students. To read more about the recent Supreme Court decision, click here.

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What we get wrong about maternal behavioral health May 21, 2021

Show notes

The health of a child is completely dependent on the health of their parent or caregiver. That is why quality, affordable behavioral health services play a critical role in creating strong families, especially during the perinatal period. However, lack of support, inaccessible services, and systemic racism have all contributed to the rising rate of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. As out state moves toward recovery from the pandemic, creating programs that address the many disparities in our maternal health system is more important than ever for ensuring families can thrive.

Episode 15 of The West Steps welcomes a number of guests to the podcast. Erin Miller, VP of Health Initiatives at the Colorado Children’s Campaign; Karla Gonzales Garcia, Policy Director at COLOR; Kelly Steinback-Tracy, Perinatal/Infant Mental Health Specialist at Denver Public Health; and Dr. Stephen Scott, OB/GYN at University of Colorado Hospital, all bring a vast array of experiences and knowledge to our discussion of maternal behavior health. Our guests provide an overview of what exactly maternal behavioral health services look like in Colorado, as well as the numerous structural barriers that make it difficult to access. Although the pandemic created additional obstacles to accessing these services, the 2021 legislative session proves to be an exciting time for maternal behavioral health. Senate Bills 27 and 137 are just two policies among many that could have an enormous impact on maternal behavioral health in our state. For more information on ways to stay engaged in moving this work forward, visit Colorado Maternal Mental Health Framework and Collaborative.

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Colorado reimagines early childhood education with a new state agency May 14, 2021

Show notes

High quality, accessible child care is not only necessary for helping young children thrive, but also for creating a strong and stable economy. In Colorado, our early childhood system remains fragmented and difficult to maneuver for both families and providers. Along with that, quality, availability, and cost of these services make it difficult for our providers to support families in the best way possible. These issues were only exacerbated by the pandemic, as many child care centers were forced to close their doors due to lack of funding. However, this economic fallout has led many Coloradans to finally recognize child care services as a critical part of our communities that demands the attention of our policymakers. In order to help lay a strong foundation for children's later learning and achievement, we must work towards improving and investing in our early childhood system.

Diane Price, President and CEO of Early Connections Learning Centers in Colorado Springs, joins us for episode 14 as we discuss the historic changes happening with early childhood in our state. After years of demanding our state government show more commitment to early care and education, Colorado is finally moving toward fixing this broken system with the introduction of HB 1304. This bill would create a new cabinet-level state agency that consolidates the various early childhood authorities, programs, and funding streams, and focuses on a unified vision of comprehensive early childhood service delivery for all children. If passed, the bill would result in momentous change for kids and families across the state. Join us in advocating for HB 1304, and we can establish a truly unified system that lifts up early childhood to the importance it deserves.

To learn more about HB 1304, visit our new microsite.

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Colorado Public Option Health Benefit Plan Breakdown May 07, 2021

Show notes

Lack of quality, affordable health insurance has the potential to create a vicious cycle of medical and financial strain for families. While more than 50 percent of Coloradans have health insurance through an employer, our state has experienced an increase in the number of individuals struggling to balance payments between medical bills, rent, and food. Along with that, longstanding systemic racism in our health care system has exacerbated health care coverage inequities among families of color. Now is the time to establish a system that pushes back against the rising cost of health insurance and eliminates inequities that continue to create negative outcomes for kids and families. The benefits of health care coverage for kids and families are enormous, and include increased high school completion rates, reduced evictions, decreased depression, and reduced maternal, infant and child mortality rates. These benefits, along with many others, make it critical for Coloradans to have access to quality, affordable health care.

Episode 13 of The West Steps dives into the complicated nature of health insurance access in our state. Adam Fox, Deputy Director of Colorado Consumer Health Initiative (CCHI); and Erin Miller, Vice President of Health Initiatives at the Colorado Children’s Campaign, discuss the current health care landscape and the many complexities built into it. They also explain why America's past and current “free market” approach to health insurance makes it impossible to provide cost effective coverage for all. House Bill 1232 hopes to change this. The bill specifically focuses the health care system in Colorado on better meeting the needs of those who have historically and systemically faced barriers to health. By implementing a standardized health plan, it will reduce expenses, make it easier for consumers to compare plans, and improve coverage for perinatal, behavioral, and primary health services. Contact your state legislator today and urge them to support policies like HB 1232 that create quality, affordable health care for all.

Vist CCHI for more information.

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Birth equity takes center stage Apr 30, 2021

Show notes

The U.S spends more on maternal care than any other country in the world, and yet, we have worse outcomes than any other developed nation. Racism and structural issues within our health care system are just two of the many contributing factors to the rising maternal mortality rate in our country. The longstanding dehumanization experienced by Black and indigenous women when giving birth has led to mortality rates that are 2-3 times higher than white women. Additionally, the many stigmas surrounding women of color and women with low incomes continue to significantly impact the overall quality of care they receive throughout the perinatal period. Not only do these issues demand a deeper look at the structure of our health care systems, but they also call for a dismantling of the systemic racism that continues to have a detrimental impact on the lives of kids and families across the country.

In episode 12 of The West Steps, we are joined by Christina Yebuah, Research and Policy Analyst at Colorado Center on Law and Policy; Heather Thompson, Deputy Director of Elephant Circle; and Vita Malama, a writer and researcher for Elephant Circle, for the podcast’s first-ever discussion of birth equity in Colorado. Our guests explain some of the alarming maternal health inequities that exist in our state, as well as the way racism directly impacts outcomes in the perinatal period. These issues demand multifaceted solutions from our policymakers, health care providers, and advocates in order to help combat the increasing rate of maternal mortality. The small steps we take today can lead to more equitable solutions in the future.

Reach out to your elected officials and urge them to prioritize birth equity this legislative session. Visit Elephant Circle for more information on advocacy, updates on birth equity bills, and to engage with their upcoming virtual event on May 13.

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What you have always wanted to know about diapers Apr 23, 2021

Show notes

When families can’t afford diapers, it impacts more than just their child’s health and well-being. Not having enough diapers can result in maternal depression, prevent families from accessing child care, and ultimately leads to stress and shame for parents who are unable to provide this crucial need for their child. Prior to the pandemic, 1 in 3 families in America did not have enough diapers for their children. In Colorado, this equated to roughly 60-70,000 infants and toddlers. Diapers are a basic need and should be treated as such, making it more important than ever to invest in state and federal programs that address this issue.

In episode 11 of The West Steps, we welcome Kristen Seidel, Board Secretary for the Women’s Lobby of Colorado; Lindsey Zaback, Director of Programs, Outreach and Engagement at WeeCycle; and Riley Kitts, Government Affairs Director for the Colorado Children’s Campaign. Our discussion focuses on an often-overlooked issue that is increasingly impacting families—access to diapers. Diaper access is more than just a basic need, it is also an equity issue. Programs such as WIC and SNAP do not cover diapering products, often resulting in parents having to reuse disposable diapers or use plastic bags and toilet paper instead. With families in Colorado facing an even greater need for diapers as a result of the pandemic, It is critical to advocate for legislation that seeks to address this problem.

SB 027 would provide funding to nonprofit organizations across the state that would allow these organizations to distribute diapers to families in their communities. With this bill currently sitting in the Senate Appropriations Committee, there are still ways you can help. Contact your elected official today and advocate for this bill, and ultimately, the thousands of families experiencing diaper need.

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What’s been happening at the Capitol? Apr 16, 2021

Show notes

We may only be halfway through the legislative session, but so much has already happened for kids and families at the Capitol. Things are starting to feel normal again as more in-person meetings take place and many state programs cut last year have been restored. Along with that, the state budget has seen an increase as Colorado receives an influx of federal funding from the recent stimulus package. With over 500 bills already introduced, the future is looking bright as we begin on our path to post-pandemic recovery.

Riley Kitts, Government Affairs Director for the Colorado Children’s Campaign, makes his return to the West Steps for an exciting update on all things at the Capitol. We hear about the state of the Children’s Campaign's priority bills and successes in areas such as family planning, child care, and school finance. Riley details the current status of the Long Bill, as well as the many policy priorities we can look forward to in the second half of the legislative session. Each week during sessions of the Colorado General Assembly, we bring you the latest news of legislation impacting the early development, health, and education of Colorado kids. Visit our Capitol Updates page for analysis, testimony, fact sheets, vote totals, and other information to help you stay informed.

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How Colorado’s racist laws targeting immigrants are harming everyone Apr 09, 2021

Show notes

Harmful, racist policies not only intentionally target members of our community, they also bleed into the workings of our everyday culture, creating invisible barriers that prevent people from living their fullest lives. In 2006, Colorado passed three laws that established greater barriers for immigrants and consequently fueled anti-immigrant sentiment in our state and nation. The passage of SB 1023, 90, and HB 1009 instituted a failed patchwork of state and local policies that continue to threaten kids and families every day. The 2006 laws go beyond existing federal law and ultimately harm all members of our communities by driving down wages, impeding individuals’ rights to make an adequate living and threatening public health by barring individuals from utilizing basic benefits. Barriers to public services and quality child care lead to poor health outcomes, increased learning gaps, and lower wages over a child’s lifetime.

Episode 9 of The West Steps provides more background on these bills and the way they continue to impact our state. We are joined by Maggie Gómez, Deputy Director at the Center for Health Progress, and Lorena Garcia, Executive Director of the Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition. Maggie and Lorena describe the impacts of these bills, as well as current efforts taking place to implement policy that provides undocumented individuals with the support they need. This legislative session, policymakers have the opportunity to expand access to economic opportunity and give local communities the authority to support our immigrant and undocumented neighbors through the passage of SB 199. While one bill won’t solve everything, it is one step toward creating more inclusive, equitable communities where all kids and families have the chance to thrive.

To read more about SB 199 bill and its journey through the legislature, click here.

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Statewide assessments--what are they and why should we talk more about them? Apr 02, 2021

Show notes

Data tell stories, and by understanding those stories, we can become better advocates for kids and families. But what happens when that data is not available? The onset of the pandemic has prevented educators, policymakers, and community leaders from accessing fully comprehensive data regarding how kids are doing in their classes. With students’ lives being turned upside down this past year, assessment data has become more important than ever in quantifying how exactly the pandemic has impacted student learning. By recognizing that assessments should be viewed as a point of census--and not a point of stigma--we can create stronger K-12 systems that provide the necessary support and resources students need as they return to the classroom.

This episode introduces one of the most highly misunderstood topics in education. Stephanie Perez-Carrillo joins us for our fist discussion of assessments this season, and sets the parameters for what we should know about these tests, and how they impact kids and families. Stephanie emphasizes the current opportunity we have in reframing assessment data to meet the moment in creating more equitable K-12 systems for students and educators. As a vital tool for ensuring kids have access to the support they need, assessments ultimately serve as the beginning of a solution that will provide every chance for every child.

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