Federal Policy

At Voices for Utah Children, we firmly believe in and support the innate right of all people to live their lives free of harassment, intimidation, and fear. People of all races, ethnic backgrounds, religions, nationalities and sexual orientation help make Utah the vibrant and wonderful place it is. Our country has a history of oppression and violence toward marginalized people that we cannot deny and must oppose at every opportunity. Sadly, the rhetoric of the presidential campaign seems to have further emboldened those with discriminatory views. While they existed before the election season, recent reports of acts of hate and bigotry against children in schools and throughout our communities have rattled our sense of who we are as Utahns and Americans.

We applaud Governor Herbert and State Superintendent Dickson for their recent joint statement condemning harassment and bullying in Utah schools, and would ask that they, and community leaders across Utah, continue to take an active stand against any acts of hatred or bigotry committed in our state.

—The Board and Staff of Voices for Utah Children

For 30 years now, Voices for Utah Children has called on our state, federal and local leaders to put children’s needs first. But the work is not done. The children of 30 years ago now have children of their own. Too many of these children are growing up in poverty, without access to healthcare or quality educational opportunities.

How can you be involved?

Make a tax-deductible donation to Voices for Utah Children—or join our Network with a monthly donation of $20 or more.  Network membership includes complimentary admission to Network events with food, socializing, and opportunity to meet child advocacy experts. And don't forget to join our listserv to stay informed!

We look forward to the future of Voices for Utah Children and we hope you will be a part of our next 30 years.

Special thanks to American Express, our "Making a Difference All Year Long" sponsor. 

This new 3-minute video, featuring Lincoln Nehring, President and CEO of Voices for Utah Children and policy experts at the Georgetown Center for Children and Families, describes the plight of Utah families in the healthcare coverage gap. In Utah, a single mom with two children must earn $756/month or less to qualify for Medicaid.  "That is painfully low," points out Nehring. In most other states, a parent can earn triple that amount and still qualify.

Joan Alker of Georgetown lists three reasons Utah should expand access to coverage:

1. A healthier parent is a better parent.
2. Children are more likely to be insured if their parents are insured.
3. The whole family must be insured to protect the family from medical debt and bankruptcy.

The good news? "States can expand Medicaid at any time—the sooner the better," says Nehring.

Utah Health Coverage Gap from Georgetown CCF on Vimeo.

For 30 years now, Voices for Utah Children has called on our state, federal and local leaders to put children’s needs first. But the work is not done. The children of 30 years ago now have children of their own. Too many of these children are growing up in poverty, without access to healthcare or quality educational opportunities.

How can you be involved?

Make a tax-deductible donation to Voices for Utah Children—or join our Network with a monthly donation of $20 or more.  Network membership includes complimentary admission to Network events with food, socializing, and opportunity to meet child advocacy experts. And don't forget to join our listserv to stay informed!

We look forward to the future of Voices for Utah Children and we hope you will be a part of our next 30 years.

Special thanks to American Express, our "Making a Difference All Year Long" sponsor.