National Parents Union
2026 Policy Agenda
Share
The National Parents Union Kids First Agenda puts children and families at the center of national policy. When families are economically secure, children are educated, communities are healthy, and everyone is safe, the country is stronger.Â
This agenda advances practical, evidence-based solutions that put kids first, now and for the future.
ECONOMIC SECURITY
Every family deserves the resources to thrive.
We advocate for policies that reduce the cost of everyday living and strengthen the economic foundation families rely on. This includes protecting and expanding food security programs such as SNAP, WIC, and school nutrition, advancing affordable and stable childcare, ensuring access to affordable health care, advancing affordable housing and investing in the workforce of tomorrow so parents and young people can succeed in a changing economy.
We advocate for policies that reduce the cost of everyday living and strengthen the economic foundation families rely on. This includes protecting and expanding food security programs such as SNAP, WIC, and school nutrition, advancing affordable and stable childcare, ensuring access to affordable health care, advancing affordable housing and investing in the workforce of tomorrow so parents and young people can succeed in a changing economy.
EDUCATION
Every child deserves a high-quality public education, no matter their ZIP code.
We support a National Literacy Moonshot to double the rate of literacy in our nation by 2035 and guarantee that every child learns to read. We advocate for high-quality public school options that expand opportunity, strong accountability and transparency to deliver meaningful results for students, and extended learning opportunities, such as afterschool and summer programs, that support academic success and whole-child development.
We support a National Literacy Moonshot to double the rate of literacy in our nation by 2035 and guarantee that every child learns to read. We advocate for high-quality public school options that expand opportunity, strong accountability and transparency to deliver meaningful results for students, and extended learning opportunities, such as afterschool and summer programs, that support academic success and whole-child development.
HEALTH
Every family deserves accessible, trusted care.
We defend strong public health systems and science-based oversight, including the CDC and vaccination schedules. We continue to advocate for Medicaid and Medicare as essential lifelines for children, families, and seniors, and for policies that protect kids online and protect kids health and wellbeing and expand access to mental health supports for children and families. We continue to advocate for clean air, clean water and climate resilience.
We defend strong public health systems and science-based oversight, including the CDC and vaccination schedules. We continue to advocate for Medicaid and Medicare as essential lifelines for children, families, and seniors, and for policies that protect kids online and protect kids health and wellbeing and expand access to mental health supports for children and families. We continue to advocate for clean air, clean water and climate resilience.
SAFETY
Every community deserves to be free from violence and fear.
We stand against gun violence, hate-based violence, and threats that target communities, schools, or democratic participation. We confront the gun violence epidemic through evidence-based solutions, including safe storage and sensible gun policies. We stand against violence and threats targeting communities and demand policies that protect children, families, and public spaces.
We stand against gun violence, hate-based violence, and threats that target communities, schools, or democratic participation. We confront the gun violence epidemic through evidence-based solutions, including safe storage and sensible gun policies. We stand against violence and threats targeting communities and demand policies that protect children, families, and public spaces.
ECONOMIC SECURITY
Every family should have the resources they need to thrive.
- Champion affordability initiatives that lower the cost of everyday living for families.
- Protect and strengthen food security programs, including SNAP, WIC, and school nutrition programs.
- Advance policies that ensure affordable, stable, and high-quality childcare.
- Demand affordable, accessible health care for all families.
- Invest in the workforce of tomorrow by expanding pathways to skills, training, and good-paying jobs.
EDUCATION
Every child deserves access to a high-quality public education—no matter their ZIP code.
- Advance a National Literacy Moonshot to ensure every child learns to read.
- Support policies that expand access to high-quality public school options and remove geographic barriers to opportunity.
- Insist on meaningful, measurable outcomes for students through strong accountability and transparency.
- Expand extended learning opportunities, including afterschool, summer, and enrichment programs.
HEALTH
Every family deserves the care and support they need to be healthy and whole.
- Ensure strong oversight and integrity of public health systems, including the CDC and the vaccination schedule.
- Defend and strengthen Medicaid and Medicare as pillars of family and child health.
- Advance protections for kids online and expand access to mental health supports for children and families.
- Support climate resilience policy and policies that guarantee our children have clean air and water.
SAFETY
Every community deserves to be safe from violence and fear.
- Confront the gun violence epidemic through evidence-based policies, including safe storage and sensible gun laws.
- Stand against violence and threats targeting communities and demand accountability to protect families and children.
The Kids First Agenda is a commitment to putting children at the center of policy- because when kids thrive, America thrives.