Washington – The social and economic policy think tank Urban Institute and non-partisan children’s advocacy group First Focus will unveil the results of Kids’ Share 2016, an annual publication that examines federal spending and tax investments in children and families Tuesday, Sept. 20.

Unless Congress changes current laws, children will receive a shrinking share of federal spending over the next decade. Compared with other uses of our national income, children are slated to become an ever-declining priority. Excluding health, spending on children will decline even in absolute dollars, with the largest declines in spending on education.

“Kids Share gives an opportunity to legislators, advocates, and the general public to look at the way government is investing in the future of this nation – our children,” said Bruce Lesley, president of First Focus. “Absent any policy change, children’s share of the budget will continue to decline and interest payments will outpace spending on kids by 2018.”

At Thursday’s event, hosted by the Urban Institute, a panel of senior policy researchers, polling experts, and analysts from various national organizations will discuss the Kids Share’ 2016 findings. They’ll explore questions such as:

  • What are the implications of the Kids Share’ 2016 findings on children?
  • Can we grow the economy in a way that serves children’s interests alongside other interests?
  • What does the public think about government support for children, and how does that relate to budget discussions?

The annual Kids’ Share report is commissioned by First Focus and produced by the Urban Institute with the generous support of the Annie E. Casey Foundation. To set up an interview with panel participants before the Sept. 20 launch, please e-mail gabev@wordpressmu-1207585-4417844.cloudwaysapps.com.

To RSVP, please visit http://urbn.is/2ccuCeJ.

WHAT:            The Urban Institute and First Focus will release their annual Kids’ Share report, measuring and tracking federal spending on children and explaining how Congressional budget actions affect children.

WHO:

  • Karlyn Keene Bowman, senior fellow and research coordinator, American Enterprise Institute
  • Julia Isaacs, senior fellow and Kids’ Share coauthor, Urban Institute
  • Michael Mitchell, senior policy analyst, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
  • Isabel Sawhill, senior fellow, Brookings Institution
  • Eugene Steuerle (moderator), Institute fellow, Urban Institute

WHEN:           Noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20 – A complimentary lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m.

WHERE:        Urban Institute, 2100 M Street NW, 5th Floor, Washington, D.C., 20037

MEDIA:          Panelists will be available for individual interviews after the event. Please RSVP at http://urbn.is/2ccuCeJ.

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First Focus is a non-partisan advocacy organization dedicated to making children and families a priority in federal policy and budget decisions. For more information, visit www.firstfocus.org.