Louisiana Advocates Rise Up for Kids 

If anyone understands the power of early learning, it’s Krystle Johnson. She’s seen firsthand how these programs transform kids’ lives – especially for her own daughter, who has autism.  

As a mom and a mental health professional, Krystle brings both heart and expertise to advocacy. This May, she spoke at Louisiana’s Early Ed Day press conference and penned a compelling letter to the editor on the importance of early childhood education. 

With a $194 million budget shortfall looming, advocates like Krystle entered the 2025 legislative session ready to fight for kids. SCAN knew state lawmakers would be looking to cut programs – so we acted fast to protect their funding.  

The result? $78 million preserved for Louisiana’s Child Care Assistance Program! 

Here’s how we did it:  

• Mobilized 100+ advocates to attend Early Ed Day in Baton Rouge  

• Hosted 14 events and delivered 543 valentines during our annual Have a Heart campaign  

• Made over 250 calls to lawmakers 

• Testified before House and Senate budget committees, sharing volunteers’ personal stories  

This victory was huge, but there’s more work to be done. Families across Louisiana still face a growing need for quality, affordable child care. 

Thankfully, our advocates are an unstoppable force for change – fiercely defending the children, families and communities they care so deeply about.  

Ready to rise up with us? Learn more about how you can join the movement.