Maintains that Republican-proposed tax cuts would disproportionately reward the wealthiest American taxpayers. Suggests that investing in early childhood education programs would yield a higher return than the proposed tax cuts, and identifies cognitive and social benefits of early childhood programs, especially for children in poor families.…

Discusses how preschool helps children develop pre-mathematics, social, and language skills as well as confidence. Claims low-income children have the greatest need for high-quality early care to overcome the disadvantages of poverty, and argues that high-quality child care prevents later costs for special education, welfare, or job training…

Notes that President Clinton's final budget provides $94 billion of tax relief for American families. Discusses the education tax credit, including the Hope Scholarship and Pell Grant awards; children's health insurance coverage, aimed primarily at low-income children; the child tax credit, aimed at working families; and the capital gains tax cut,…

Reviews features of President Bill Clinton's proposed $22 billion child care plan, a set of spending measures and tax credits designed to make child care more affordable, available, and safe for low- and middle-income families. Features noted include Head Start and after-school programs, and business tax credits. (HTH)

Discusses child care quality, pointing out that good programs can affect children's long-term success; affordability, pointing out that many families cannot afford high-quality care; and availability, pointing out the scarcity of certain types of child care, including care for infants and school-age children and care during nontraditional hours.…

Not all groups have shared in the improving U.S. economy. Proponents of volunteerism argue that community service can make a huge difference in the lives of poor children and families. (HTH)

Explores the status of health care coverage, or lack of coverage, for children and for working families, noting President Clinton's budget plans for improved access, and the implications of managed health care. Suggests that until policymakers devise a solution that will contain skyrocketing health care costs, many American families will continue…

Examines the pros and cons of several family-oriented initiatives offered by President Clinton and Senator Bob Dole during their 1996 campaigns. These include tuition tax credits, volunteer tutoring programs, across-the-board tax breaks, and school voucher programs. (HTH)

Notes that the burden of budget reductions enacted by the 104th Congress have fallen disproportionately on programs for low-income families and individuals. Suggests that middle class entitlements such as Social Security and Medicare, which comprise more than half of the federal budget, would be a more prudent area in which to reduce spending.…

Describes the Bush administration's recently proposed economic stimulus package and the Democrats' rival tax-cutting plan, and discusses the impact of the proposed reduction or elimination of taxes on corporate dividends on middle-income families. Considers the extent to which families would benefit from the administration's package and reiterates…

Describes the benefits of effective reading instruction for at-risk children at the preschool, kindergarten, and first grade levels. Notes that early reading delays are quickly magnified as children move through the early grades. Asserts that public education is the fundamental equalizer in the United States and that it enables children from poor…

Reports on factors reflecting or contributing to family economic adversity in the current U.S. economy, including consumer confidence figures, a rise in long-term unemployment, the need to extend the temporary federal unemployment benefits program, and families' debt concerns and spending. Highlights findings that kindergartners from the lowest…

Notes economic trends contributing to growing income inequality among families, and that young children are hurt most by income inequality. (HTH)

Notes consumer dissatisfaction with Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). Highlights legislative efforts aimed at a patients' bill of rights, including the political partisanship involved. (HTH)

Highlights federal funding to reduce class size to improve academic performance, particularly for low-income and minority students. Details three studies, as well as teacher reports supporting the benefits of smaller class size. Suggests that reducing class size represents a preventive rather than remedial approach, but that class size must go…