LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

Youth Development

Foster safe environments for children and teens to learn foundational skills, develop healthy and trusting relationships, and build independence.
Support after school, child care, and universal pre-k programs.
Improve students’ educational readiness by promoting year-round learning opportunities in order to lessen the achievement gap.
Advocate for funding that provides Swim Lessons and Water Safety classes for all school aged children
Support increased funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG). CCDBG supports economically disadvantaged families by increasing the availability, affordability and quality of child care.
Support the community school strategy by investing $30 million for the Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) program.

Healthy Living

Create healthier communities through statewide initiatives that support the well-being of people of all ages and abilities.
Provide financial assistance for individuals unable to afford YMCA memberships and program fees.
Support $160 million for CDC’s Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Division, $5 million for Million Hearts and $37 million for WISEWOMAN.
Support $110 million for CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Expand evidence-based chronic disease prevention and management programs.
Support $50 million for CDC’s Comprehensive Cancer Program, for a deeper federal investment in evidence-based cancer survivorship programs.
Support $110 million for CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (DNPAO), including resources to support the Y’s Healthy Weight and Your Child Program.

Social Responsibility

Promote volunteerism and togetherhood as community-based solutions for positive change.
Promote access and availability of health care and wellness programs for citizens.
Increase charitable giving by supporting a universal deduction that encourages more giving.
Support $11 million for the National Park Service (NPS) Youth Partnership Programs at the Department of Interior.
Cosponsor the Every Kid Outdoors Act.

Become a Y Advocate!

Believing that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, deserves to be healthy, confident, connected and secure, the Y is a powerful ally and advocate for our communities.

With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y collaborates with national and community-based leaders and policymakers to increase the resources and support that empower individuals, families and communities to learn, grow and thrive.

As an advocate of the Y, you can help:

Influence policies and initiatives that help youth develop healthy behaviors, values and life skills
Prevent and combat chronic disease
Build trust and understanding among community groups and decision makers
Positively impact societal issues of importance to the nation and your community

Advocate in support of a movement working every day to build healthier communities. Interested in joining our Y advocacy action network?

State Legislative Agendas

Select the State below for more information

Iowa
Nebraska - Coming soon.
North Dakota - Coming soon.
South Dakota - Coming soon.