When a crisis hits, we all become very aware of the impact of public policy in our daily lives. The governor issues an isolation order, mayors close restaurants, courts issue eviction moratoriums, and congress distributes emergency relief funds. We also become aware of gaps in our systems that are magnified in times of emergency.
Idaho Voices for Children has a robust policy team monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely. We will do everything we can to support Idaho leaders as they evaluate options to battle this coronavirus pandemic and build policies that support everyone in our state, especially those most in need.
Below is a list of resources to inform you on state policy recommendations, federal relief packages, and how you can engage in our policy effort.
State Policy Recommendations
- Letter to Idaho’s Members of U.S. Congress Urging Health Coverage Support (8/5/20): Idaho Voices for Children joins a list of health partners to urge Congress to increase the federal matching rate for Medicaid.
- Letter to Idaho’s Members of U.S. Congress Urging Support of Child Care (7/30/20): Idaho Voices for Children joins a list of partners to urge Congress to include emergency funding and policy provisions to save the child care industry.
- Media Statement Urging the Governor to Exempt Medicaid from Budget Cuts (5/28/20): Idaho Voices for Children urges Governor Brad Little to protect Medicaid’s budget during the public health pandemic and economic recovery.
- Partner Sign-On Letter with Health Insurance Recommendations (4/3/20): Idaho Voices for Children and health policy partners request that the Idaho health insurance exchange create an emergency, sixty day open enrollment period and prohibit the sale of enhanced short-term plans.
- Letter to Governor with COVID-19 Policy Recommendations (3/18/20): Idaho Voices for Children outlines policy areas impacted by the coronavirus and offer six recommendations for Idaho leaders to adequately respond to this pandemic.
Partner Resources
- Alliance for Early Success’s Latest COVID-19 Actions by State: Compilation of strategies and resources to advance state COVID-19 response policies that lead to improved health, learning, and economic outcomes for young children, starting at birth and continuing through age eight.
- CLASP Responds to COVID-19: Resources for policy advocates to assist people with low incomes who have been most affected by the failures of the health system and the economy before the crisis
- Georgetown University Health Policy Institute’s Health Policy Blog: In-depth analysis of impacts to health caused by COVID-19 and federal policy responses
- National Low Income Housing Coalition’s COVID-19 Resources: Latest news, guidance, and resources on the COVID-19 as it relates to housing and homelessness
- United Way of Treasure Valley’s COVID-19 Community Resource Page: A list of Community Resources available throughout the Treasure Valley to support those directly and indirectly impacted by COVID-19.
Learn More & Take Action
- Support Idaho Voices for Children with a Donation: Help Idaho Voices for Children look ahead in uncertain times with a donation today. Your support truly matters.
- Protect Medicaid Action Alert: Easily send an email to Governor Little asking that he exempt Medicaid from any upcoming budget cuts.
- Housing Action Alert: Ask Governor Little to issue an executive order halting evictions and foreclosures in Idaho.
Together, We are a Powerful Force for Social Change in Idaho
The COVID-19 crisis highlights the importance of our policy work on behalf of kids and families with low-incomes. Our mission has always been to ensure that Idaho children and families have the resources and opportunities to thrive. We have become a powerful force for social change, and the coronavirus only highlights the importance of our work. Now, more than ever, it is critical that all in Idaho have access to comprehensive, affordable health care.