TESTIMONY: Paid Family Leave

Testimony to the House Democratic Policy Committee Presented by Dan O’Brien, Policy Manager, Education and Family Stability, Children First October 28, 2024 On behalf of Children First, thank you for inviting us to offer testimony in front of the committee today. I...

TESTIMONY: “Soda Tax” – Philadelphia City Council

Testimony to the Philadelphia Tax Reform Commission, Subcommittee on “Other Taxes” Presented by Donna Cooper, Executive Director, Children First September 28, 2024 By way of this testimony, I want to present new information regarding the effectiveness of the...

Testimony: School District of Philadelphia – CTE in Philly Schools

A rigorous study of Philadelphia CTE high school students, 70% of whom are economically disadvantaged and 85% BIPOC, found that these students were 30% more likely to graduate on-time than students attending comprehensive/neighborhood high schools that shared nearly...

Testimony: Philadelphia School Board on School Funding

Philadelphia School Board Testimony Priyanka Reyes-Kaura, K12 Policy Director, Children First August 22, 2024 My name is Priyanka Reyes-Kaura and I work at Children First as the K-12 Education Policy Director. Children First is one of the advocacy organizations in the...

Testimony to Philadelphia City Council: School Board Confirmations

Testimony Presented to the Philadelphia City Council School Board Confirmations By Symbol Lai, Philadelphia Mobilization and Policy Director, Children First PA April 25, 2024   Hello! My name is Symbol Lai. I’m here for Children First. I’m here to testify in support...

Testimony to Philadelphia City Council: FY2025 Budget Bills

Testimony Presented to the Philadelphia City Council Fiscal Year 2025 Tax Bills By Symbol Lai, Philadelphia Mobilization and Policy Director, Children First PA March 27, 2024 Good afternoon. My name is Symbol Lai. I’m here representing Children First. I live in West...