As we celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Illuminate Colorado, we are reflecting on a decade of policy work to build a foundation for all families to thrive. In reflecting on the past 10 years and looking forward, we are celebrating many family strengthening policy wins and staying rooted in gratitude for our partners in prevention and mission.

Policy Impact

Since Illuminate started tracking our current Key Performance Indicators in 2020, 95 state bills have passed that are aligned with Illuminate’s policy priorities, and we have offered testimony 86 times. We are grateful to our advocacy partners who led and co-led these policy efforts, often inviting Illuminate to share our expertise through stakeholder meetings, testimony, Interim Committee hearings, and other education opportunities. Of the 95 state bills that passed, Illuminate was proud to be an advocacy lead on nine of these bills.

State Policy Trends

Throughout the years, exciting state policy trends have emerged that have resulted in Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center’s designation of Colorado as a national leader in supporting families with infants and young children in 2024 and 2025. Illuminate is celebrating several trends that advanced evidence-based and research-informed prevention policies and programs, including:

• Increased state investments in family-centered tax credits, including the state Child Tax Credit (CTC), state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and Family Affordability Tax Credit (FATC)
• Creation, implementation, and expansion of the state Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program
• Promotion of concrete supports for families impacted by substance use through state investment and policy change to increase access to specialized child care, the Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP), and Colorado Works (TANF) for impacted families
• State investments in home visiting programs, including Family Connects

Federal Policy Trends

At the federal level, Illuminate has been grateful to partner with our national affiliates to educate our Colorado Congressional Delegates (federal senators and representatives) on Colorado family strengthening initiatives and data, while advocating for federal policy changes. Over the years, we have celebrated several federal legislative wins that advance evidence-based and research-informed policies, including:

• Ongoing improvements to federal family strengthening statutes, including the Child Abuse Prevention & Treatment Act (CAPTA) and the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA)
• Ongoing investments in and expansion of the federal Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit
• Reauthorization of federal programs to promote prevention, early intervention, diagnosis, and support regarding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)

Celebrating the Passage of the FASD Respect Act

Sept 25, 2025

Across Colorado and the nation, advocates are celebrating the passage of the FASD Respect Act, a crucial step toward building a foundation for individuals and families impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) to thrive. . . .

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Staying Rooted in Gratitude and Our Mission

We at Illuminate are grateful to our partners in prevention, including Lived Experience Experts, organization and agency partners, our national affiliates, and policymakers, who continue to inform, elevate, and lead/co-lead family strengthening policy initiatives. In reflecting on the past decade of policy work at Illuminate and envisioning the next 10 years, we recognize that, while policy landscapes, strategies, and trends may shift, we are committed to staying rooted in our ongoing mission, foundations, and values, working towards our vision of a Colorado where all children and families thrive.

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