The 2025 Oregon Legislature ended June 29, 2025; a welcome close to a long and difficult legislative session shaped by federal funding constraints and sweeping policy changes.

At the start of the year, Oregon’s Early Childhood Coalition (ECC) identified five legislative priorities to address racial disparities in early childhood, which is essential to remove barriers for children and communities impacted by injustice. This included legislation to fund the following: 

1. Child and Adult Care Food Program 
2. Early Childhood Literacy Fund 
3. Perinatal Workforce (SB 692: expand access to doulas, lactation counselors) 
4. Relief Nurseries 
5. Healthy Families Oregon

Despite the urgent need, lawmakers chose to cut funding that would have expanded access to these programs. Only one of the ECC’s racial equity priorities passed in 2025. 

“This was my first long session and it felt hard,” said Elena Barreto, senior early childhood policy advisor at Children’s Institute. “With so many federal unknowns and limited investment in early childhood, it was a challenging time.”

Oregon’s Doula Bill Passed, Expanded Access to Perinatal Health Care

Even though many of the Early Childhood Coalition’s (ECC) legislative priorities didn’t pass, there were still meaningful wins worth celebrating.

Notably, Oregon’s doula bill (SB 692) passed! The bill—led by Black Futures Initiative for Perinatal Health—was part of the Momnibus package of bills designed to improve health outcomes for babies and birthing parents.

Now, more parents will be able to access health care before, during, and up to 12 months after birth, regardless of birth outcome. The bill will offer two new types of lactation support: lactation counselors and lactation educators. It will expand access to coverage for doulas and lactation supports to private insurance, in addition to existing Medicaid coverage.

It will also double the amount of hours allowed for doulas, allowing parents to have more flexibility in how they choose to use their doula support.

Advocacy Highlights

Early childhood advocates wave signs at the Oregon State Capitol for Vote no on SB 5514 Day of Action (Photo: Celeste Yager-Kandle)

ECC partners and advocates made real progress for young children and families, bringing greater visibility to complex early childhood issues among lawmakers and the public.

“After seeing how many people showed up to advocate for children—many for the first time—I feel encouraged to keep speaking up and asking how we can make Oregon better for young children,” Barreto said. 

Key advocacy efforts in the 2025 session mark meaningful steps toward lasting change in early childhood policy: 

• A Unified Voice and Message, Emphasizing the Whole Early Childhood System. Advocates dialed in with a clear message: Children’s well-being depends on a strong, connected system. From child care and health to early learning and family support, progress in one area strengthens the whole. 

• Deeper Advocacy Engagement and More Voices. This session saw incredible engagement from advocates, many participating for the first time! From testifying at hearings and joining the ECC’s advocacy kick-off and lobby day, to waving signs at the Capitol and speaking at press conferences, people showed up in powerful ways for young children and families.

• A Boost in Media Coverage and Public Interest. Early childhood issues saw more media attention than previous years. Journalists helped shine a light on the importance of early learning, child care, and family support—raising public interest and educating legislators. This visibility is critical for building long-term momentum.   

What’s Next?

The 2025 legislative session has ended, but the conversation isn’t over. Lawmakers may revisit some of the early childhood priorities that didn’t pass, either in a special session, during the 2026 short session, or in the 2027 long session.  

That means our work continues—because advocacy doesn’t end with the legislative session. The most powerful thing we can do now is to keep showing up and speaking out. Here are a few ways to stay active and informed until the legislature reconvenes for the short session in 2026. 

• Follow the issues: Subscribe to early childhood news and policy updates to stay in the loop. 
• Attend a town hall: Ask your legislators what they’re doing to make Oregon a better place for young children and families. 
• Take part in advocacy: Join advocacy efforts and help build momentum for the next session.

With deep gratitude, we thank our partners, advocates, and supporters for their endless dedication to Oregon’s children. Whether you raised your voice at the Capitol, contributed behind the scenes, or stayed engaged—your efforts helped elevate early childhood issues and move Oregon toward meaningful progress for babies, children, and families. 

See the Legislative Update in a visual format below. Click to move back and forth between pages (or download the PDF).