Advocacy Needed for MIECHV Reauthorization The federal home visiting act, the Maternal Infant Early Childhood Home Visiting Act, was originally given a five-year budget cycle that will end on September 30 of this year. Aggressive efforts are underway to relay support to key members of Congress about the value of and need to maintain this critical funding. To date, Michigan has been highly successful in receiving MIECHV dollars, both formula and competitive grants -- more than $31 million in all. The funding is being used for direct services in 10 counties and also for critical infrastructure and system work that benefits the entire state. We have been alerted that advocacy is needed now to include the MIECHV Reauthorization in a piece of legislation that is being actively debated called the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) or doc fix to which health extenders have historically been added. Because so few items actually are able to move through this grid-locked Congress, this may be the only opportunity before the September 30 deadline. Key Energy and Commerce Committee and some Ways and Means Committee majority members need to hear a clear message about why parent supports and family coaching like home visiting are critically important to achieving outcomes in maternal and child health, for healthy development, in education, reduction of child maltreatment and family self-sufficiency. Senate Finance Committee Democrats have been pressing for it in negotiations. A full court press over the next few days to reach some key members (or their chiefs of staff) directly could make the difference. As for message, a simple suggested talking point is: Im reaching out to ask for your support for including the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program reauthorization as a part of the SGR extenders package. This program makes a difference for some of the most vulnerable families and communities in our state. It will ultimately save taxpayers money through decreased health care, remedial education, and other public costs, and increased family self-sufficiency. Participation is voluntary - which means parents are committed to success. Thats the kind of pro-family program we should all get behind and I appreciate your support in making sure it continues. Michigan voices are vital to this effort. The chairs of both the committees listed in the House are from Michigan and one of our Senators is on the Senate Finance Committee. House Energy & Commerce Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI 6th) Key staff is Health Legislative Aide Mark Ratner Email: [email protected] Phone: (202) 225-3761 House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI 4th) Key staff is Health Legislative Aide Adam Pradko Email: [email protected] Phone: (202) 225-3561 Senate Finance Committee Health Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) Key staff is Health Legislative Aide Alex Sheff Email: [email protected] Phone: (202) 224-4822 MCMCH Executive Director Amy Zaagman met with two of the three offices while in Washington DC this week and cannot stress enough how important it is that they hear from YOU about the difference these dollars are making in our state. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT - make the call or send an e-mail now and share your perspective on why we need to support and coach families to be the best first teachers and caregivers for their children. If you have questions or feedback from your interactions, please do not hesitate to contact Amy at [email protected].
Posted on: Mon, 03 Feb 2014 18:59:16 +0000