Policy Priorities & Impacts
The Colorado Children’s Campaign is the leading voice for kids at the state capitol and beyond. We focus on creating great systems to support early childhood, K-12 education, economic security, and health.
Each year, we find the unmet need and advocate for policies that make it easy for kids to be kids.
2026
At the Colorado Children’s Campaign, we believe every child deserves a seat at the table when public policy decisions are made that impact their lives. Since kids cannot vote or run for office, we serve as their voice and their champion. In 2026, that role mattered more than ever.
Faced with significant budget constraints and federal uncertainty, Colorado stood at a crossroad: scale back support for children and families or lead with bold, homegrown solutions. By protecting what works, modernizing outdated systems, and investing in proven solutions, Colorado made meaningful progress toward a more equitable future for kids. When we invest in kids, we invest in the future of Colorado. Across health, economic security, early childhood, and K-12 education, we secured critical wins to improve the lives of children today while strengthening the state for years to come. During the 2026 legislative session:
- Health: We sustained programs that help kids access and afford health coverage and care.
- Economic Security: We strengthened the safety net and supported tax credits so more families can get ahead.
- Early Childhood: We secured long-term funding for child care and made systems work better for families and providers.
- K-12 Education: We advanced fair funding, protected student rights, and expanded support for student well-being.
When we invest in kids, we invest in the future of Colorado.
Strengthen Affordability & Protect Access
- Make Private Health Coverage Affordable & Stable for All Families
Sustain the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise, Reinsurance, and OmniSalud to keep health premiums low and markets stable. These initiatives protect families who earn too much to qualify for public health coverage and provide undocumented residents with affordable coverage plans. Continued investment will prevent rising premiums, reduce uncompensated care, and save money for families and our state. - Protect Coverage for Undocumented Children Through Cover All Coloradans
Fully fund and safeguard Cover All Coloradans to maintain comprehensive health coverage for undocumented children and pregnant adults. Preserving this program will prevent coverage losses, reduce uncompensated care, and ensure every child can access essential health care that strengthens their long-term health outcomes, educational opportunities, and economic stability. - Expand Vaccine Access to Keep Kids Healthy
Clarify vaccine guidance and expand vaccine access to protect children, prevent disease outbreaks, and avoid costly long-term health burdens. Ensuring Colorado can continue to access critical vaccines and enforce proper insurance coverage is essential to protecting public health.
Modernize Family Supports & Reduce Child Poverty
- Strengthen TANF to Deliver Results for Families in Deep Poverty
Reform the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to be more transparent, effective, and equitable. Require public reporting, tie spending to measurable outcomes, and fund evidence-based strategies that lift families from deep poverty. Accountability and modernization will ensure resources reach families who need them most and improve economic mobility. - Protect & Maximize Family Tax Credits
Protect and maximize family tax credits like the Family Affordability Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit to reduce child poverty. Closing select tax loopholes can responsibly fund these credits, ensuring stable support for working and middleincome families. Investing in tax credits delivers one of the highest returns for child well-being and state prosperity.
Build an Affordable, Streamlined System
- End CCCAP Waitlists
Eliminate waitlists for the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) by modernizing systems, reducing administrative costs, and improving equitable access. More than 10,000 children are currently affected by CCCAP underfunding and inefficiencies. Fixing these gaps will expand affordable care, stabilize providers, and strengthen Colorado’s early care and education infrastructure. - Strengthen Child Care Access Locally
Streamline early childhood governance by aligning Local Coordinating Organizations (LCOs), Early Childhood Councils (ECCs), and Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (CCR&R). Reduce red tape for small business child care providers. Reducing duplication in contracts and statute and using funds for direct services will improve access, quality, and affordability statewide. Better coordination and less bureaucracy will result in more resources for families. - Renew the Child Care Contribution Tax Credit
Renew the Child Care Contribution Tax Credit to attract private investment and sustain child care providers. This proven tool expands child care access for families and strengthens local economies, delivering long-term benefits for children and the workforce alike.
Deliver on Equity & Opportunity
- Fully Implement the New School Finance Formula
Prioritize full implementation of the new formula to deliver fair, student-centered funding. Direct resources to English learners, students with disabilities, and those in poverty and rural areas. Getting this right will close opportunity gaps and ensure taxpayer dollars make the greatest impact. - Stabilize Food Security Through HSMA & SNAP
Maximize Healthy School Meals for All (HSMA) and Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) funding to support nutrition, attendance, and learning outcomes. Maintaining food access at school and at home helps students thrive and reduces hunger-related barriers to achievement. - Strengthen Disability Rights & Special Education Protections
Enforce and strengthen special education and Section 504 protections at the state level to fill federal gaps. Strong oversight will ensure safe, inclusive learning environments and protect every student’s right to a fair education, which is core to Colorado’s equity commitments.
