This event was sponsored by Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) and Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL).
From cradle to adulthood, it is evident that some policies and practices pose significant barriers to opportunity for children solely based on their demographics—especially for children who come from rural or urban communities. Policy solutions should be aimed at ensuring that every child has the chance to achieve their full potential, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, birth location, class, immigration status, or other demographic characteristics. In order to “un-stack the deck” against children, we need bold and radical solutions that get at the root causes of health, educational, economic and societal disparities.First Focus’s latest Big Ideas series, Pioneering Change: Innovative Ideas for Children and Families, offers ideas from leading lawmakers, children’s advocates, and policy experts outlining how to make America a better place to be a child and raise a family.
This briefing offered a platform to hear from three Big Idea authors on their innovative concepts about how to tackle systematic poverty and ensure every child reaches his or her full potential.
Speakers included:
Bruce Lesley, President, First Focus
Matt Bruenig, Blogger (Download the presentation)
Ezra Levin, Associate Director of Government Affairs, Corporation for Enterprise Development (Download the presentation)
Mitria Wilson, Vice President of Government Affairs, Center for Responsible Lending