Federal Budget Overlooks Children
Existing spending laws have deprioritized children, and the risks of reduced investment in children.
Published: Federal Budget Priorities Overlook Our Greatest Investment—Children | Urban Institute
Date: April 27, 2026
Spending on programs benefiting children made up just 8 percent of the more than $6.75 trillion the federal government spent in FY 2024. Yet substantial evidence shows that investing in programs serving children yields benefits for kids, society, and the economy at large, with some estimating a $7 return for every $1 spent.
New findings from the Urban Institute’s Kids’ Share project indicate that spending on children will make up an even smaller portion of federal spending moving forward—an estimated 6 percent spent on children by FY 2035. With federal budget debates ongoing, we examine the downward trajectory of federal spending on children and how current priorities may affect existing trends.