The March of Dimes released the following statement from President Stacey D. Stewart on the budget deal announced today in the U.S. Senate:
“The proposed budget deal makes critical investments in the short- and long-term health of moms, babies and families, and therefore in the future of our nation. The March of Dimes urges all Senators and Representatives to support this package.
“The proposed package takes numerous steps toward promoting healthy women and strong babies. Support for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is extended for an additional four years, meaning it can be relied upon by pregnant women, children and their families through 2027. Funding for the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program is continued for another five years, securing the ability to provide critical services to pregnant women and new parents. The bill also extends funding to preserve numerous other programs important to maternal and child health, including the Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) to help prevent teen pregnancy, pediatric quality measures programs, and community health centers.
“The March of Dimes looks forward to the President’s signature into law of this important package and urges all Members of Congress to vote in favor of it.”