California became the first state to commit to setting up trust funds for children who lost a parent or caregiver to the pandemic.
Laura Guerra and her daughter Emilia, 2, play at their home in Riverside, Calif., on Monday, July 11, 2022. California is using some of its record-setting budget surplus to help ease Guerra's mind, and others like her. Last month, California became the first state committed to setting up trust funds for children who lost a parent or caregiver to the pandemic.
“As a mom, this gives me a little bit of that security back,” said Guerra, who has been advocating for the trust funds as a member of the advocacy group COVID Survivors for Change. “I don’t want her to continue to be a victim of this virus forever.” The Washington D.C. City Council passed a baby bond program in 2021, committing to give low-income children $500 plus another $1,000 each year that their parents remain below a certain income level. Last year, Connecticut was the first state to approve a statewide baby bonds program — although it hasn't been funded yet.
“Income and wealth are different things,” said Michael Tubbs, the former mayor of Stockton who is now an advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom and founder of the advocacy group End Poverty in California. “People should have the wherewithal to pay their bills today … but the next generation shouldn’t have to live paycheck to paycheck.”
“The goal has always been, ‘How do we help best set up low income children for their future?' said Shimica Gaskins, president and CEO of Grace. “We had really relied on educational pathways, but also know that cash and cash assistance and opportunity are equally important.”
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