March 2026 Newsletter
2026 children’s health equity legislative and budget agenda
All children have equal value and potential, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or place of birth. We must do all we can – together – to build a solid foundation for our children’s health and well-being, especially in this moment.
California children and their families are facing intense stress with cuts to both federal- and state-funded health care, including Medicaid/Medi-Cal, ACA subsidies, and other programs that support long-term health. Families are being ripped apart by ICE, as safe-spaces protections for children at early childhood education centers, schools, and places of worship are being stripped away. And Congress is actively debating a bill that would severely limit our right to vote for people who represent the interests of our children and their families.
We understand this moment requires us to be bold, engaged, and relentless in our advocacy – in coalition building, community education and engagement, and policymaking. A future where all California children and families can flourish depends on it.
These are The Children’s Partnership’s 2026 legislative and budget priorities.
Comment by March 30: Proposed federal changes would turn funding agreements into legal pledges to comply with administration’s stances on DEI, immigration, and more
The Trump administration is proposing changes through the General Services Administration that would contractually bind nearly all federal grantees and contractors—including education agencies—to the Administration’s interpretations of law on diversity, equity, inclusion, immigration, public safety, and religious liberty, with potential civil and criminal penalties for noncompliance beyond loss of funding.
Education leaders should be aware of this development and consider submitting public comment before the March 30, 2026, deadline. These conditions could have major implications for state, local, and organizational policies and practices. More can be found in this new EducationCounsel resource: Overview & FAQs of GSA’s Proposed Changes to the Required Certifications by Recipients of Federal Funds.
Public comment must be submitted here by March 30, 2026.
Sign-on opportunities: CHW/P/R budget asks
Add your organization’s name to this letter drafted by the Latino Coalition for Healthy California, Visión y Compromiso, and The Children’s Partnership. The message, addressed to budget and legislative leadership, underscores the vital role of our community health worker, promotora, and representative (CHW/P/R) workforce during this crucial period. It demands transparent information about the utilization of the CHW/P/R Medi-Cal benefit and urgent need for CHW/P/Rs to assist with H.R.1 implementation.
Sign on as an individual or organization to a letter from the CHW/P/R Coalition urging the California legislature to invest at least $4 million in one-time funding to support the urgent work of CHW/P/Rs. These vital community members help Californians maintain coverage and stay connected to care when they are needed most.
Please share with your networks!
Videos: What immigrant families should know
The Protecting Immigrant Families coalition has created a series of short explainer videos for immigrant families on relevant topics, including public charge, program eligibility, data privacy concerns, the HUD mixed-status proposed rule change, and more. The videos are available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Mandarin. View and share the videos on YouTube.
Choose Children 2026 speaks with CA candidates for governor
This March, Choose Children brought together children, families, and communities for a series of gubernatorial conversations across California. We were proud to host candidates Betty Yee, Tony Thurmond, Chad Bianco, and Xavier Becerra in one-on-one conversations about the issues that matter most to young children and families and learn about the candidates’ visions for California’s future.
Candidates shared their priorities on child care, early learning, family economic stability, maternal health, and more, and answered questions from the audience. TCP President Mayra E. Alvarez served as moderator for the San Diego conversation with Xavier Becerra, helping to ground the discussion in the realities our communities face.
Stay tuned for updates from Choose Children 2026. Together we can ensure children and families remain front and center in the 2026 governor’s race.
CA-PIF Medi-Cal access webinar recap
As part of the CA-Protecting Immigrant Families coalition, TCP co-hosted a webinar, “Understanding Access to Medi-Cal for Immigrant Communities,” on March 4. The event was attended by a large group of people representing cross-sector organizations.
Presenters covered restrictions on Medi-Cal eligibility and coverage for immigrants, work requirements, 6-month redeterminations, public charge, and updates about intrusions into the privacy of public benefits recipients.
View the presentation slides here and a recording of the training here. Password: 5KT3J$4.
Bringing Up California coalition clears path forward for 2026
Earlier this month, Bringing Up California coalition partners came together in Los Angeles for our first working retreat of 2026. We aligned our vision with the challenges in this current political landscape, strengthened collaboration, and set our workgroup priorities for the year ahead. In a rapidly shifting world, this retreat created space for the coalition to connect, build stronger relationships, and shape our path forward to protect and support California’s youngest children and their families.
Click on any event square for more information or to register
Liza M. Davis talks public charge fears with EdSource
EdSource quoted Liza M. Davis, TCP advocacy director of children in immigrant families, on the fear that holds many families back from applying for public benefits, even if they qualify. The story also ran in Spanish.
TCP president discusses health care access on Radio Bilingüe
Mayra E. Alvarez spoke to Línea Abierta on Radio Bilingue about declining access to health care due to the high cost of care, end of federal subsidies, and changes in eligibility.
TCP highlighted in CA Children’s Caucus launch
The Sacramento Observer listed The Children’s Partnership as an advocacy partner in the newly formed California Legislative Children’s Caucus, a bipartisan, bicameral group of state legislators that will focus exclusively on the needs of the state’s nearly nine million children.
