The early weeks of the new Administration and the new Congress have been tumultuous, with far-reaching administrative actions, executive orders, and legislative proposals. And with no agreement in sight on a final FY2025 budget, the possibility of a government shut-down looms large. This webinar will review the latest developments, with a particular focus on early care and education, as well as the most effective ways to communicate concerns to legislators.

Presenters:

• Barbara Duffield, Executive Director, SchoolHouse Connection
• TJ Lucas, Senior Manager, Federal Policy, SchoolHouse Connection

A message from our Executive Director:

“Thank you very much for registering for our February 20, 2025, ‘Federal Policy Update: Early Actions and Effective Responses’ webinar.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge that the volume, speed, and reach of recent federal actions – and proposed policies in Congress – have been intense, and for many people, overwhelming. They’ve contributed to a sense of upheaval and instability, as we witness threats to the very basic functions of government. 

If you are feeling disoriented, confused, or overwhelmed, you are not alone. In fact, 1,141 people signed up for this webinar, which is a record for our policy work.

I also want to point out that the intensity of recent federal actions are designed to be overwhelming. To quote one observer, ‘the mission seems to be to overwhelm, to chill and to paralyze… to create so much consternation and confusion that you stop doing what you need to do.’

What we need to do is to help children, youth, and families access early care and education, safe shelter, and stable housing, so that they have the opportunity to overcome homelessness and to thrive.

With that mission in mind, we are committed to staying grounded in facts, and grounded in our purpose. 

The struggles for the future of early, education, homelessness assistance, and housing won’t be won or lost in Washington DC. Local stories and local action will determine the course of events. And as a national organization, SHC is only as effective as the information that we have about what’s actually happening in local communities, and as the people we can call upon to help educate policymakers and the media. So we ask for your partnership, in whatever way might be appropriate for you.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have additional questions or need more information. Thank you again – we are in this together!”

Barbara Duffield
Executive Director

We do have two immediate requests:

1. Keep reaching out to Congress

Please urge your Members of Congress to use every means at their disposal to prevent the White House from blocking approved funding and indiscriminately gutting federal agencies, and to protect life-saving programs from cuts.

2. Share your experiences with us

Please help us learn more about the impact of recent actions and the current climate – as well as how we can support you — by filling out this three-question survey.

Share Your Experiences