Southwest Legislative Forum returns to Jackson to highlight early childhood education, youth policy updates
JACKSON, Tenn. — Leaders say supporting our youth begins with policy. One forum returns to Madison County to discuss early childhood education and youth justice.
Big conversations about little lives. Friday’s Southwest Legislative Forum focused on the policies shaping childhood in West Tennessee, from early education to youth justice.
“We do them annually to highlight what legislative updates are coming down the line for anything to do with children and families. We actually follow legislative updates through our commission,” said Jerri Moore, Southwest regional coordinator.
The Annual Southwest Legislative Forum returned to West Tennessee Friday morning in the Rychen Auditorium.
The Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth, in partnership with United Way of West Tennessee, presented key data and legislative updates that directly impact families in West Tennessee.
“We have the state of the child report that we’ll hear a presentation on today. That’s one of our reports that comes out of the commission. United Way pumps out ALICE data, which is all about low-income, working families,” said Moore.
Key legislation attendees that were made aware of includes the unfreeze of the Smart Steps Program, which helps low-income parents pay for daycare so they can work.
Another bill proposed changing how the state defines “economically disadvantaged” students for school funding.
“Majority of our folks that are here today, they’re social workers. They’re not only trying to make ends meet for themselves, but help others make ends meet,” said Lauren Cino, interim CEO and president of United Way of West Tennessee.
The event featured a youth justice panel with Madison County Mayor A.J. Massey, T.J. King, and Major Danielle Jones.
Attendees also heard legislative updates from Senator Page Walley.
“I think its very helpful for people to have access right here in their local community,” said Cino.
The theme of this year’s forum is “championing for Tennessee’s children & families”.
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