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ADVOCACY ALERT!
Support Federal Action for Child Health and Well-Being
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Now that Congress is back at work following the July 4th recess, members will be considering important legislation affecting children. We urge you to support policies that nurture children's healthy development.
Support Health Care Reform for Our Children:
Health care reform under discussion in Congress has the potential to dramatically improve children's health care, but children's needs have not always been in the forefront of these discussions. To have the greatest benefit for children, health care reform should build on the successes of children's Medicaid and CHIP, and should ensure that all children have accessible, affordable and comprehensive health care. For information on the House discussion draft for health care reform, please click here.
Tell Congress there are no do-overs for childhood. All children need high quality, affordable healthcare coverage.
Support Home Visiting Programs:
Research shows that the early years of a child's life, birth to 5 years, are most critical for optimal growth and development and provide the foundation for success in school and life. Under the recently introduced Early Support for Families Act (H.R. 2667), $2 billion over 5 years will be provided in mandatory funding for evidence-based home visitation, where professionals or paraprofessionals provide instruction and services to families in their homes. The funding would start at $100 million in 2010, increasing to $700 million in 2014.
There is strong evidence that early childhood home visitation programs are effective in reducing the incidence of child abuse and neglect, and in improving child health and development, parenting skills, and school readiness.
We applaud and thank Representatives Jim McDermott (D-WA), Danny Davis (D-IL), and Todd Platts (R-PA) for their steadfast dedication to improving the lives of children by introducing this legislation. Click here to view the bill (PDF reader required).
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