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By Alyssa Fortner

Child care enables parents and caregivers to participate in the workforce, attend school and training programs, and take care of other responsibilities while their children are cared for in safe and stable early education programs. Despite its value, child care has historically been underfunded and inaccessible for the majority of those who need it. Because of this, the funding that states receive through the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), the main federal funding source to support families with low incomes in accessing child care, is a vital support for many across the country.

CCDF funding is provided through mandatory funding in the Social Security Act—referred to as the Child Care Entitlement to States—and discretionary funding in the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act (CCDBG) of 1990. States can receive additional child care funding through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant and the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG). Under CCDF, the amount of money each state receives annually is calculated using a formula that considers factors like the number of children receiving free or reduced-price lunches, the state share of children younger than five, and the state’s per capita income.

However, Congress has never funded this program adequately to serve all eligible children. For example, in CLASP’s most recent estimate, only 14 percent—or 1 in 7 children—had access to a CCDF subsidy based on state income eligibility requirements. Limited federal investments in state child care systems mean that far too many families are not getting the critical support that they need. Additionally, the providers who accept these subsidies are receiving low reimbursement rates.

The historical inequities and systemic racism that plague the child care system creates additional barriers for eligible families of color. These barriers stem from a long history of policies and practices that often excluded, marginalized, or disproportionately harmed people of color. These impacts continue to be felt in many ways, including in the idea of who deserves care; difficult eligibility requirements; inequitable access to child care subsidies across racial and ethnic groups; and poverty-level wages for early educators of color, particularly Black and Hispanic providers. Working in child care often means low wages, a lack of benefits, and a physical and emotional toll, all of which have created retention and recruitment challenges. This, in turn, has led to a persistent shortage of the child care workforce—which further impacts access to care for families and the ability of providers to stay in a role they are passionate about. The impacts of this history have only continued to intensify and became increasingly evident due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This statement can be attributed to Cemeré James, interim executive director and president of the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), and Wendy Hoon-Chun, incoming executive director and president of CLASP.

Washington, D.C., April 28, 2025—For over 50 years, the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) has worked to advance policies that support children, families, and individuals with low incomes, as well as people of color, immigrants, and other historically marginalized communities. In the first hundred days of President Trump’s second term, we have witnessed unprecedented threats to health, stability, security, and fundamental freedoms—disproportionately harming the most vulnerable. Efforts to dismantle the federal government put all of us at risk. Now, more than ever, our ability to understand, measure, and respond to these risks is critical.

In response, CLASP has launched a new tracker that compiles and updates the harmful actions taken by the Trump Administration—particularly through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by unelected billionaire Elon Musk—to dismantle the federal government. We will update the tracker weekly, as DOGE announces new directives and layoffs.

DOGE’s actions are having an immediate and devastating impact on workers, families, communities, and the government’s ability to function.

The harm includes:

History shows that an informed, engaged public is key to driving social change and economic stability. In a time of confusion and fear, this tracker helps cut through the chaos, offering clear, digestible information so communities can strategize and protect those most affected.

While CLASP’s mission focuses on marginalized communities, the tracker shows that these cuts impact people across all demographics. Children and families who rely on programs that support basic needs are already feeling the effects, but the federal workforce is also being hollowed out at an alarming rate.

DOGE’s so-called “efficiency” is a thinly veiled attempt to gut programs without Congressional oversight—benefiting Musk and fellow billionaires while destabilizing public services. The skilled civil servants who’ve dedicated their careers to making government work are being pushed out, their expertise dismissed.

We hope this tracker, alongside the work of our partners, shines a light on the real-world impacts of these cuts. CLASP remains committed to lifting the voices of those most affected and fighting for policies that truly support workers, families, and communities.

By Shira Small

The Trump Administration’s cuts to federal child care and early education programs and staff are putting children, families, and the economy at risk. Children are already losing access to care, the remaining federal workforce is overburdened, child care providers are losing their jobs, communication channels are being eliminated, and parents are experiencing uncertainty over whether they will have care tomorrow. All of this upheaval only exacerbates the existing access and affordability crisis facing the child care sector, particularly for families with low incomes and families of color who face disproportionate barriers to access as the result of systemic racial and economic injustice.

The chaos began in late January when the administration froze federal funding, which locked Head Start providers and Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) administrators out of the websites they use to access grants. This contributed to dozens of Head Start programs closing temporarily. Though the funds were restored, program administrators received limited to no communication about whether they would be able to access the grants needed to keep their programs open and their providers paid.

In the months that followed, the administration took a number of additional actions that are harming programs, families, and providers, including:

Laying off federal employees. Probationary staff at the Office of Head Start (OHS) and the Office of Child Care (OCC) were laid off in February, resulting in a reduction of approximately 20 percent of staff. This was followed by the mass layoffs announced on April 1, resulting in an overall reduction of 40-50 percent of staff in OHS and OCC and the closure of five regional offices, which provided training and technical assistance, administrative support in ensuring grants reached facilities, and served as a liaison between program administrators and the federal government. These offices in Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle oversaw grantees in 23 states and five territories, and comprised half of the total regional offices across the country.

Impounding funds. Recent data shows that nearly $1 billion fewer dollars have been disseminated to Head Start programs compared to this time last year. The exact cause for this is unclear. Whether this is an intentional decision or the result federal workforce cuts, the reduction causes confusion and strain for already underfunded programs.

An Executive Order targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Head Start grantees received a directive in mid-March from the Acting Assistant Secretary at the Administration for Children and Families saying that no funds will be approved for program expenditures that promote or take part in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Given Head Start’s core commitment to these values, it is unclear what the implications will be for the children, families, and staff in their programs.

Proposing the elimination of Head Start. Recent news indicates that President Trump will propose complete elimination of Head Start in his forthcoming Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal.

Impact on Children, Families, Providers, and the Economy

Children and families are paying the price for these actions. Head Start serves over 750,000 children and CCDF, administered within OCC, subsidizes care for 1.4 million children annually, according to the most recent available data. Longstanding economic and racial inequities mean that families of color, particularly Black and Latino families, will be hit the hardest by these cuts, compounded by the administration’s degradation and removal of DEI programs that are intended to advance equity.

We are already seeing the direct impacts on children and families. Head Start programs in Washington have had to shut down because of the loss of federal support. As a result, 400 preschool children are without care and 70 staff members have been laid off. Even more children are at risk of losing care as the House and Senate make decisions on which programs will be impacted by the recently passed budget resolution, which calls on committees to slash funding for programs supporting families with low incomes to fund tax breaks for the wealthy. These cuts are attacks on families with low incomes, the child care workforce, and the economy, and Congress must push back.

The child care sector is one of many under assault by the current administration, and widespread federal funding cuts and layoffs will only worsen existing racial and economic inequalities. The racial wealth gap is widening, wealth inequality is growing, and the cost of living is rising — and the Trump Administration is eliminating the policies that support families with low incomes and families who face racial injustice. This administration may want to enrich the wealthy, but CLASP is fighting back to defend the programs that help children and families thrive.

 

This statement can be attributed to Cemeré James, interim executive director and president of the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) 

April 18, 2025, Washington, D.C. – This week, multiple news outlets have reported that the Trump Administration plans to propose $40 billion in cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the agency responsible for protecting the health of the American people and providing essential services to children and families. Plans include allowing the Affordable Care Act subsidies to expire, a move that would cost states an estimated $34 billion in GDP, $2 billion in tax revenue, slashing hospital revenues (especially in rural areas), and causing four million people to lose health insurance. These cuts are expected in the forthcoming fiscal year 2026 Presidential Budget, which sets forth the President’s priorities for Congress in the annual funding process. 

 Head Start and Other Child Care and Early Ed Programs 

Among the programs eliminated in the proposal is Head Start, which for nearly 60 years has provided affordable early education for millions of families while employing thousands of educators and care providers. Its elimination would disrupt learning for hundreds of thousands of children, cause major job losses in the strained child care workforce, and leave parents without the care they need to work or attend school. The proposal also cuts Preschool Development Grants, which help states build early childhood systems. These cuts would reduce child care availability and deepen financial instability for families and communities. 

 Health, Mental Health, and Well-Being 

The leaked budget proposes disruptions and the elimination of life-saving programs that marginalized populations rely on. Some programs would shift to the newly created “Administration for Healthy America,” while others would be cut entirely. These include the Administration for Community Living, the Prevention and Public Health Fund, suicide prevention support for LGBTQ+ youth, grants for underserved youth, Tribal and minority health programs, and HIV/AIDS clinics. 

Stripping Support for Workforce and Housing and Spreading Misinformation  

The proposed budget cuts critical workforce development programs, including mental health education, scholarships, and training for future health care providers who serve underrepresented communities—setting the stage for a greater provider shortage in the years ahead. It also eliminates the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps households with low incomes afford heating and cooling. Currently, only 20 percent of eligible households receive LIHEAP benefits. Ending the program would deepen housing insecurity for up to 6.2 million households, putting more families and children at risk of homelessness. Beyond these cuts, the proposal falsely claims immigrants don’t pay taxes and seeks to deny public benefits to non-citizens, including lawful permanent residents, who contribute to these programs. 

These budget cuts target marginalized communities—including those with low incomes, immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and communities of color—but the consequences will harm everyone’s health and the broader economy. Put simply, this proposal endangers the well-being of the entire nation. CLASP urges Congress to reject the budget, protect Head Start, and prioritize the country’s health and stability over the Trump Administration’s relentless efforts to dismantle vital programs under the guise of cutting waste, fraud, and abuse. These cuts will hurt real people and make life even harder for families already struggling to get by. 

By Isha Weerasinghe

CLASP submitted public comments opposing the proposed ACA Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Rule, which includes harmful provisions that would greatly reduce health insurance coverage for people with low incomes as well as people with historically disenfranchised identities. The many provisions that will impact people with low incomes include a provision to remove the Special Enrollment Period for people living with projected household incomes up to 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, reducing the open enrollment period, creating barriers to receive Advanced Premium Tax Credits, removing DACA recipient eligibility in the ACA, and restricting gender affirming care through Essential Health Benefits. Our comment notes how the proposed rule would limit coverage for people with low incomes and also increase costs to the health care system in the future.

>> Download Comments

By Priya Pandey and Wendy Cervantes

CLASP submitted comments in response to an interim final rule from the Department of Homeland Security for the new registration requirement for noncitizens. We are strongly opposed to this new rule and urge the government to withdraw the rule in its entirety. Our comment particularly highlights the disparate impact the rule will have on children who may not fully grasp the registration requirements and how the rule increases the risk for family separation, detention, and deportation. Additionally, concerns around data privacy and how information will be used could create a possible chilling effect for immigrant families which could result in children and families losing access to critical programs they rely on.

>>Download Comments

April 11, 2025 – Washington, D.C. – The Board of Trustees of the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) announced today that it has chosen Wendy Chun-Hoon as the organization’s next president and executive director. She will assume leadership of the national anti-poverty and racial justice organization on May 15, 2025, succeeding Cemeré James who has served as the interim executive director of CLASP since January 2025.

“Wendy brings decades of leadership and experience across the range of issues that CLASP addresses,” said David Hansell, chair of CLASP’s Board of Trustees. “All of us on the Board are delighted to welcome Wendy, who brings enormous skills as an advocate and leader, a demonstrated commitment to our mission and values, and the enthusiasm and passion needed to meet this critical moment. Under Wendy’s leadership, CLASP will continue playing a vital role in addressing the unprecedented assaults on the public policies that support economic security for all people who are marginalized in this country.”

Chun-Hoon most recently served in the Biden Administration as Director of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau from 2021-25. Prior to that, she was executive director of Family Values@Work, a national network of grassroots coalitions in 27 states fighting for care policies and workplace rights such as paid sick and safe days, family medical leave insurance, and child care. Her experience also includes working in state government as chief of staff to the Maryland Secretary of Human Services; in the philanthropic sector at the Open Society Foundations, where she worked on poverty alleviation; and at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, where her portfolio included public benefit programs.

Beyond her work experience, Chun-Hoon’s values align closely with CLASP’s mission to advance racial and economic justice, as she has spent her career fighting to end the marginalization of women and communities of color and to ensure economic security for all. Her deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice makes her an ideal leader to continue CLASP’s work of dismantling systemic barriers and advancing meaningful change.

“CLASP has long been a leader in shaping policies that create pathways to economic security,” said Wendy Chun-Hoon. “I am deeply honored to join this remarkable organization and its dedicated team. As we face increasing challenges, my focus will be on expanding our advocacy efforts, building strategic alliances, and ensuring that CLASP’s work is guided by the diverse needs and voices of the people we serve. Together, we will continue to advance a bold, inclusive vision for racial, gender, and economic justice.”

“This moment calls for a clear-eyed view of the barriers to economic and racial justice and solutions at the scale of the problem,” said Julie Su, former U.S. Secretary of Labor. “There is no one more effective to lead that work than Wendy Chun-Hoon. Wendy is that rare person who combines great vision with concrete strategies and the ability to inspire bold action. I have seen this up close as I got to work side by side with her at the Department of Labor to invest in Black women-led organizations, produce research on the need for child care and drivers of pay inequity, and give women all across the country a real shot at economic security. Wendy’s leadership will be transformative for CLASP and the people and communities CLASP serves.”

“In uncertain times, we turn to values-driven leaders to create critical pathways forward that respect and recognize the power of lived experience and policy solutions that will advance equitable opportunity for all and ensure no person, family, or community is left behind or excluded. Wendy Chun-Hoon brings a proven track record of leadership, that spans the public, social, and philanthropic sectors, to CLASP, one of our country’s most essential policy anchor organizations,” said Anne Mosle, Vice President at the Aspen Institute and Founder & Executive Director of Ascend at the Aspen Institute. “With Wendy at the helm, the next chapter of CLASP’s mission-driven work will build bridges and accelerate policy innovation from the federal to state and local level. CLASP and Ascend at the Aspen Institute share the North Star of creating a more equitable future for families with low incomes, and I look forward to our organizations expanding our collaboration under Wendy’s leadership.”

“The CLASP team and Board of Trustees also extend our deepest gratitude to Cemeré James for her leadership as interim executive director. Under her guidance, CLASP has navigated a transition period with resilience and a continued commitment to our mission,” said Hansell.

CLASP is a 55-year-old national, nonpartisan nonprofit that focuses on economic, social, and racial justice. We work with federal, state, and local policymakers, advocates, and partners to advance policies that reduce poverty, improve the lives of people with low income, and create pathways to economic security for everyone. Our work is rooted in a belief that poverty in America is inextricably tied to systemic racism. The organization has been on the front lines of fighting back against harmful administrative and legislative proposals—particularly those from the current and prior Trump administrations—and advancing a bold and practical vision.

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This statement can be attributed to Rricha deCant, director of legislative affairs at the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP)

April 10, 2025, Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a budget resolution bill by a vote of 216-214 that was passed by the Senate last week. Its passage highlights the willingness of Congressional leaders to fund tax breaks for the rich and corporations and drive up the deficit through massive Medicaid cuts of $880 billion and SNAP cuts of $230 billion.

The proposal would also slash other public benefit programs that people with low incomes rely on. Instead of passing a budget resolution that would help families grapple with rising costs in an already chaotic economy, Congressional leaders are making it more difficult for families, children, and workers to have access to health care, food, and other essentials.

This measure now opens the door for Congress to write a budget reconciliation bill that could have far-reaching impacts on the lives of millions of Americans for decades to come.

Updated April 2, 2025 by Priya Pandey

Originally published in 2019 by Rebecca Ullrich and updated in February 2022 by Alejandra Londono Gomez

Early childhood programs play an important role in the lives of young children and their families. But in our current political climate, families across the country are questioning whether it’s safe to attend or enroll.

In January 2025, the Trump Administration rescinded the Biden Administration’s guidelines for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection enforcement actions in certain “protected areas.” Immigration enforcement actions had previously been restricted at or near these locations, which include early childhood programs such as licensed child care, preschool, pre-kindergarten, and Head Start programs.

In response, we have updated “A Guide to Creating ‘Safe Space’ Policies for Early Childhood Programs,” which gives practitioners, advocates, and policymakers information and resources to design and implement “safe space” policies that safeguard early childhood programs against immigration enforcement, as well as protect families’ safety and privacy. The guide also includes sample policy text that early childhood providers can adapt for their programs.

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This statement can be attributed to Cemeré James, interim executive director of the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP)

Washington, D.C., March 28, 2025 – CLASP decries the cuts announced yesterday to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These reductions will affect mental health, disabled people, rural communities, vaccines for children, and community health workers who address inequities for people across the lifespan, among others.

HHS plays a fundamental role in addressing the well-being of the nation’s 340 million people. Everyone benefits from HHS’s work to fight diseases, promote public health, and provide essential human services. But people with low incomes—especially children and families—have a particular stake in the agency’s work. That’s why CLASP is concerned that HHS is slashing another 10,000 jobs—on top of the 10,000 positions eliminated earlier—as part of Elon Musk’s DOGE project, which has recklessly cut grants and contracts and terminated staff since its inception.

Our country is undergoing unprecedented upheaval in programs critical to people who are forced to live on the margins of society during an unpredictable economy poised to get even worse. Drastic cuts like these will only make their lives more challenging. CLASP is committed to joining our partners in resisting these cuts and advocating for alternative approaches that don’t fund tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations by making drastic reductions that harm people with low incomes.