A BLUEPRINT FOR CHILDREN

The American Academy of Pediatrics has called on policymakers to do more for children’s health and development — not just for health care but for families’ economic security and The report recommends a series of efforts to lift families out of poverty, such as raising the minimum wage, improving job training, expanding family and medical leave, and strengthening the Earned Income and Child tax credits.  For example, it urges policymakers to “extend the CTC to very poor families with young children and ensure that these children can receive the full tax credit.” The pediatricians also recommend raising SNAP (formerly food stamp) benefits to better enable families to obtain an adequate, healthy diet throughout the month. The report contains specific recommendations for Congress and over 20 federal departments.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics, 9/16, Blueprint for Kids