A program intended to provide hearing aids and services to thousands of children without health insurance has delivered devices to only a tiny fraction of those who need them.
Advocates have launched a new push focused on getting Pennsylvania lawmakers to pass legislation that protects children from lead-paint poisoning. The percentage of Pennsylvania kids with high lead levels is among the nation s worst, twice the national average. Part of that is connected to the state s old housing stock, with 70% of homes being built before 1978, when consumer-use of lead-based paint was banned. .
During the COVID health emergency, Congress removed a lot of red tape in the U.S. Department of Agriculture s (USDA) school meals programs, and a new report suggested the program s success should be continued into the next school year. Crystal FitzSimons, director of school and out-of-school-time programs for Food Research and Action Center, said waivers increased the number of fruits and vegetables kids consumed, eliminated school meal debt, made it easier for parents and guardians, and lowered administrative burdens for schools. .
A new survey finds 8 in 10 Kentucky parents say afterschool programs could help their child combat social and mental-health struggles by reducing unproductive screen time. Experts say demand for these types of programs has increased in the Commonwealth. Executive Director of the Afterschool Alliance Jodi Grant said after-school programs often are understaffed partnerships between schools and community-based organizations. .
Groups fighting for children s rights say they are disappointed Gov. Gavin Newsom s May budget revision did not include more money for the Hearing Aid Coverage for Children Program. Newsom proposed about $16 million, but advocates want lawmakers to bump it up another $5 million in the final budget. .