Bruce Lesley
@brucelesley.bsky.social
Proud father of 4. Child advocate. President of First Focus on Children & First Focus Campaign for Children. Basketball fanatic. Kids Can't Wait on Substack. #InvestInKids #VoteKids
Pinned
Money Matters: The Nation’s Retreat from Kids
Federal spending on children has dropped to historic lows, but the steepest cuts are ahead.
brucelesley.substack.com
Money Matters: The Nation’s Retreat from Kids brucelesley.substack.com/p/money-matt...
First Focus on Children released our annual report yesterday, Children's Budget 2025. The findings show a 30+% decline in the share of federal funding to children from 2021 to Trump's FY 2026 budget proposal.
First Focus on Children released our annual report yesterday, Children's Budget 2025. The findings show a 30+% decline in the share of federal funding to children from 2021 to Trump's FY 2026 budget proposal.
How did kids' fare in last week's election? Here is my quick analysis...
Kids on the Ballot: What the 2025 Elections Said About America’s Priorities for Children
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
Kids on the Ballot: What the 2025 Elections Said About America’s Priorities for Children
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
Kids on the Ballot: What the 2025 Elections Said About America’s Priorities for Children
They can’t vote, but kids gained ground at the ballot box this year. Still, there were some disturbing losses.
open.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:16 PM
How did kids' fare in last week's election? Here is my quick analysis...
Kids on the Ballot: What the 2025 Elections Said About America’s Priorities for Children
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
Kids on the Ballot: What the 2025 Elections Said About America’s Priorities for Children
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
How Trump officials have transformed the EPA to weaken enforcement - The Washington Post
www.washingtonpost.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:07 PM
How Trump officials have transformed the EPA to weaken enforcement - The Washington Post
1 in 4 AZ kids relies on SNAP. State's dismal childhood poverty record leading to a perfect storm www.kjzz.org/the-show/202...
1 in 4 AZ kids relies on SNAP. State's dismal childhood poverty record leading to a perfect storm
As the federal shutdown drags on, SNAP food benefits recipients remain in limbo. A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to release contingency funds to pay the benefits, but the president…
www.kjzz.org
November 10, 2025 at 1:55 PM
1 in 4 AZ kids relies on SNAP. State's dismal childhood poverty record leading to a perfect storm www.kjzz.org/the-show/202...
As governor, lawmakers mull special session agenda, child advocacy groups have some ideas • Nevada Current nevadacurrent.com/2025/11/07/a...
As governor, lawmakers mull special session agenda, child advocacy groups have some ideas • Nevada Current
Nevada’s child care crisis should warrant a special session rather than efforts to give public subsidies to film studies, advocacy groups say. “We don’t think this is the time where we need to be…
nevadacurrent.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:38 AM
As governor, lawmakers mull special session agenda, child advocacy groups have some ideas • Nevada Current nevadacurrent.com/2025/11/07/a...
‘This perfect storm:’ How Idaho Medicaid cuts could affect everyone’s health care access | Local | idahostatejournal.com www.idahostatejournal.com/news/local/t...
idahostatejournal.com | empowering the community
POCATELLO — Idaho State built on the momentum from last week’s road win over a nationally ranked opponent to capture its second straight victory, a 27-17 win over Cal Poly inside the ICCU Dome.
idahostatejournal.com
November 9, 2025 at 11:13 PM
‘This perfect storm:’ How Idaho Medicaid cuts could affect everyone’s health care access | Local | idahostatejournal.com www.idahostatejournal.com/news/local/t...
The Medicaid Program That Saved Money, Turned People’s Health Around — and Got Killed - POLITICO www.politico.com/news/magazin...
The Medicaid Program That Saved Money, Turned People’s Health Around — and Got Killed
The end of the Healthy Opportunities Pilot in North Carolina is a story of how MAHA might actually be realized — or not — at the state level.
www.politico.com
November 9, 2025 at 9:04 PM
The Medicaid Program That Saved Money, Turned People’s Health Around — and Got Killed - POLITICO www.politico.com/news/magazin...
Baby beaten and burned to death with hot liquid by parents - US News - News - Daily Express US www.the-express.com/news/us-news...
Newborn baby beaten and burned to death with hot liquid by laughing parents
In a heart-wrenching case from Virginia, a young couple faces prison time over abuse that led to the tragic death of their newborn daughter.
www.the-express.com
November 9, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Baby beaten and burned to death with hot liquid by parents - US News - News - Daily Express US www.the-express.com/news/us-news...
The impact of losing SNAP benefits and a Head Start school closure on this grandmother : NPR www.npr.org/2025/11/08/n...
The impact of losing SNAP benefits and a Head Start school closure on this grandmother
NPR's Scott Simon speaks with Nicole Hines of Davenport, Iowa, about how the loss of SNAP benefits and the closure of a Head Start school that her granddaughter attended are affecting her life.
www.npr.org
November 9, 2025 at 4:07 PM
The impact of losing SNAP benefits and a Head Start school closure on this grandmother : NPR www.npr.org/2025/11/08/n...
Study: Louisiana’s child poverty rate increase leads US thecurrentla.com/2025/study-l...
Study: Louisiana’s child poverty rate increase leads US
The report comes out as Louisiana — along with other states — has announced it will not provide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in November.
thecurrentla.com
November 9, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Study: Louisiana’s child poverty rate increase leads US thecurrentla.com/2025/study-l...
This is must watch reporting by @jacobsoboroff.bsky.social on how ICE is separating babies and toddlers from parents and treating them while in custody.
This must end now!
This must end now!
"When I picked up my granddaughter from the federal agents, she had a dirty diaper, a bruise on her face, and was developing a rash. She was exhausted and cried… My heart aches knowing this could happen to others, to my kids, or even me, despite being U.S. citizens.”
November 8, 2025 at 3:47 PM
This is must watch reporting by @jacobsoboroff.bsky.social on how ICE is separating babies and toddlers from parents and treating them while in custody.
This must end now!
This must end now!
Reposted by Bruce Lesley
Sen. Durbin isn’t taking Kristi Noem’s crap. Nor should he!
October 31, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Sen. Durbin isn’t taking Kristi Noem’s crap. Nor should he!
Reposted by Bruce Lesley
This billionaire is trolling hardworking educators—and making jokes about gutting supports for special needs kids.
October 31, 2025 at 10:00 PM
This billionaire is trolling hardworking educators—and making jokes about gutting supports for special needs kids.
The Trump Admin must release the SNAP contingency fund today so that 16 million kids do not start going hungry tomorrow.
It’s that simple.
It’s that simple.
October 31, 2025 at 10:13 PM
The Trump Admin must release the SNAP contingency fund today so that 16 million kids do not start going hungry tomorrow.
It’s that simple.
It’s that simple.
Money Matters: The Nation’s Retreat from Kids brucelesley.substack.com/p/money-matt...
First Focus on Children released our annual report yesterday, Children's Budget 2025. The findings show a 30+% decline in the share of federal funding to children from 2021 to Trump's FY 2026 budget proposal.
First Focus on Children released our annual report yesterday, Children's Budget 2025. The findings show a 30+% decline in the share of federal funding to children from 2021 to Trump's FY 2026 budget proposal.
Money Matters: The Nation’s Retreat from Kids
Federal spending on children has dropped to historic lows, but the steepest cuts are ahead.
brucelesley.substack.com
October 31, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Money Matters: The Nation’s Retreat from Kids brucelesley.substack.com/p/money-matt...
First Focus on Children released our annual report yesterday, Children's Budget 2025. The findings show a 30+% decline in the share of federal funding to children from 2021 to Trump's FY 2026 budget proposal.
First Focus on Children released our annual report yesterday, Children's Budget 2025. The findings show a 30+% decline in the share of federal funding to children from 2021 to Trump's FY 2026 budget proposal.
Reposted by Bruce Lesley
I try to be empathetic and see other people’s biases and mistakes and compare them to my own. We’re all human.
But I find it really hard to understand taking Mel Gibson’s medical advice over my own oncologist.
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
But I find it really hard to understand taking Mel Gibson’s medical advice over my own oncologist.
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
In rural America, scarce doctors battle misinformation as they practice medicine
Conspiracy theories about health fill a vacuum created by the lack of doctors in many rural communities. Meanwhile, doctors in these areas say patients have become increasingly distrustful and sometim...
www.npr.org
October 28, 2025 at 11:45 AM
I try to be empathetic and see other people’s biases and mistakes and compare them to my own. We’re all human.
But I find it really hard to understand taking Mel Gibson’s medical advice over my own oncologist.
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
But I find it really hard to understand taking Mel Gibson’s medical advice over my own oncologist.
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
Reposted by Bruce Lesley
I’ve had a chance to talk with @andybeshearky.bsky.social @robsandia.bsky.social and @jamestalarico.bsky.social over the past year.
Their success shows Democrats how to run as guys defending public schools.
My latest Substack👇
open.substack.com/pub/joshcowe...
Their success shows Democrats how to run as guys defending public schools.
My latest Substack👇
open.substack.com/pub/joshcowe...
Three Democratic Men Defending Their Public Schools
Over the past year, I've had a chance to speak with Andy Beshear, Rob Sand, and James Talarico. They've grown national profiles as Democratic men in red states--in part by fiercely defending public sc...
open.substack.com
October 27, 2025 at 1:22 PM
I’ve had a chance to talk with @andybeshearky.bsky.social @robsandia.bsky.social and @jamestalarico.bsky.social over the past year.
Their success shows Democrats how to run as guys defending public schools.
My latest Substack👇
open.substack.com/pub/joshcowe...
Their success shows Democrats how to run as guys defending public schools.
My latest Substack👇
open.substack.com/pub/joshcowe...
Here is why Texas voters concerned about child abuse & safety should OPPOSE Proposition 15 and why child advocates nationwide should be concerned about the outcome of this vote.
Parental Rights or Children’s Safety? Proposition 15 Has the Makings of a Texas Tragedy
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
Parental Rights or Children’s Safety? Proposition 15 Has the Makings of a Texas Tragedy
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
Parental Rights or Children’s Safety? Proposition 15 Has the Makings of a Texas Tragedy
Texas has a constitutional amendment, Prop 15, on the November ballot that prioritizes parental control over child protection – with potentially dangerous consequences all across the country.
open.substack.com
October 26, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Here is why Texas voters concerned about child abuse & safety should OPPOSE Proposition 15 and why child advocates nationwide should be concerned about the outcome of this vote.
Parental Rights or Children’s Safety? Proposition 15 Has the Makings of a Texas Tragedy
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
Parental Rights or Children’s Safety? Proposition 15 Has the Makings of a Texas Tragedy
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
A society that truly values families must see and value children as individuals with their own perspectives, vulnerabilities, and rights.
Seeing Children: Why the Family Frame Isn’t Enough
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
Seeing Children: Why the Family Frame Isn’t Enough
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
Seeing Children: Why the Family Frame Isn’t Enough
There is a quiet but consequential debate within the advocacy world – one that risks paralyzing the very movement meant to protect children and families.
open.substack.com
October 21, 2025 at 6:13 PM
A society that truly values families must see and value children as individuals with their own perspectives, vulnerabilities, and rights.
Seeing Children: Why the Family Frame Isn’t Enough
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
Seeing Children: Why the Family Frame Isn’t Enough
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
Fear and Harm as Policy: How the Feds Are Traumatizing Children
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
Fear and Harm as Policy: How the Feds Are Traumatizing Children
Noem's Department of Homeland Security is not targeting the "worst of the worst" as she claims: her agency is increasingly targeting the children of immigrants.
open.substack.com
October 14, 2025 at 12:57 AM
Fear and Harm as Policy: How the Feds Are Traumatizing Children
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
Nearly Nine Months In: How The Administration Is Failing America’s Children
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
Nearly Nine Months In: How The Administration Is Failing America’s Children
Nearly nine months into the second Trump Administration, the damage to children and families is already staggering.
open.substack.com
October 9, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Nearly Nine Months In: How The Administration Is Failing America’s Children
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
Another important article by @mikehixenbaugh.com that highlights why we desperately need an independent Children’s Commissioner to investigate and put a stop to the cover-up and failure to protect children from child sexual and physical abuse by institutions in this country.
Mike Hixenbaugh (@mikehixenbaugh.com)
Pastor Mark Vega, a former Yankees chaplain, received reports of sex abuse in his church in 2019 and 2022. But rather than go to police, Vega came up with a plan to handle it internally by…
bsky.app
October 8, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Another important article by @mikehixenbaugh.com that highlights why we desperately need an independent Children’s Commissioner to investigate and put a stop to the cover-up and failure to protect children from child sexual and physical abuse by institutions in this country.
This piece by @mikehixenbaugh.com highlights two critically important issues facing children:
1) the threat people like Robert Morris pose to public education
2) the cover-up of sexual and physical child abuse that institutions in our country repeatedly engage in
This must be stopped. ✋
1) the threat people like Robert Morris pose to public education
2) the cover-up of sexual and physical child abuse that institutions in our country repeatedly engage in
This must be stopped. ✋
Mike Hixenbaugh (@mikehixenbaugh.com)
Got to see where the filmed “Killers of the Flower Moon” and write this update on a story I started covering a little over a year to go.…
bsky.app
October 8, 2025 at 3:07 PM
This piece by @mikehixenbaugh.com highlights two critically important issues facing children:
1) the threat people like Robert Morris pose to public education
2) the cover-up of sexual and physical child abuse that institutions in our country repeatedly engage in
This must be stopped. ✋
1) the threat people like Robert Morris pose to public education
2) the cover-up of sexual and physical child abuse that institutions in our country repeatedly engage in
This must be stopped. ✋
Reposted by Bruce Lesley
Leo Garcia Venegas, a US citizen and construction worker in Alabama, was wrongfully detained not once but TWICE.
“I got arrested twice for being a Latino working in construction.”
Kavanaugh stop in action👇🏽
“I got arrested twice for being a Latino working in construction.”
Kavanaugh stop in action👇🏽
Justice Kavanaugh compared wrongful stops of U.S. citizens to a mild inconvenience. Tell that to those terrorized in a raid in Chicago
As @tusk81.bsky.social noted, "This chaos has not been isolated to major American cities where the admin is engaged in the political targeting of perceived enemies"
As @tusk81.bsky.social noted, "This chaos has not been isolated to major American cities where the admin is engaged in the political targeting of perceived enemies"
Mass Deportation Is A Threat To Us All
Aided by the Supreme Court and the insidious "Kavanaugh stop," the administration's chaotic mass deportation operations are sweeping up Americans – including children and U.S. military veterans.
americasvoicecnn.substack.com
October 8, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Leo Garcia Venegas, a US citizen and construction worker in Alabama, was wrongfully detained not once but TWICE.
“I got arrested twice for being a Latino working in construction.”
Kavanaugh stop in action👇🏽
“I got arrested twice for being a Latino working in construction.”
Kavanaugh stop in action👇🏽
Who Deserves to See a Doctor? Health Coverage, Immigration, and the Real Stakes of the Government Shutdown
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
Who Deserves to See a Doctor? Health Coverage, Immigration, and the Real Stakes of the Government Shutdown
The fight in Washington isn’t about giving undocumented immigrants free health care. It’s about whether we will take health care away from more than 14 million people, including millions of children.
open.substack.com
October 7, 2025 at 3:18 AM
Who Deserves to See a Doctor? Health Coverage, Immigration, and the Real Stakes of the Government Shutdown
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
Children Deserve Political Commitments, Not Political Theater
After Congress and the White House spent the year slashing pediatric cancer research and Medicaid, cancer survivors were given a photo-op.
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
After Congress and the White House spent the year slashing pediatric cancer research and Medicaid, cancer survivors were given a photo-op.
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
Children Deserve Political Commitments, Not Political Theater
After Congress and the White House spent the year slashing pediatric cancer research and Medicaid, cancer survivors were given a photo-op.
open.substack.com
October 3, 2025 at 2:56 AM
Children Deserve Political Commitments, Not Political Theater
After Congress and the White House spent the year slashing pediatric cancer research and Medicaid, cancer survivors were given a photo-op.
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
After Congress and the White House spent the year slashing pediatric cancer research and Medicaid, cancer survivors were given a photo-op.
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...