The Feds are hard at work and our Washington delegation is showing serious leadership for children.
Earlier this week Chairman Jim McDermott, joined by Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL) and Rep. Todd Platts (R-PA), today introduced the Early Support for Families Act. This act will implement the home visitation initiative proposed by President Obama as part of his FY2010 budget request. It will establish and expand quality programs providing voluntary home visiting to assist families with young children and families expecting children, especially in high-need communities.
Now, The Early Support for Families Act is in the Senate Finance committee, which is expected to take action this week. Washington’s Senator Cantwell is on the Finance Committee and has a key opportunity to include home visitation in the health care reform legislation. Unless you’ve been on a remote African safari, you know that the health care train is leaving the station SOON (before the August recess).
Here is an action alert our friends at Fight Crime, Invest in Kids sent out this week. Don’t forget to thank Sen. Cantwell for all of her previous work supporting children and families – especially SCHIP expansion (State Children’s Health Insurance Program).
Please call Senator Cantwell Today :
Include Home Visiting in Health Care Reform
Senator Cantwell and other members of the Finance Committee are expected to outline their plan for Health Care Reform this week. The President’s proposed home visiting initiative is a proven crime-fighting approach that should be included in the health care reform legislation. There is strong support from the Administration and members of both parties in Congress to see home visiting included in health care reform. These funds would support investments in kids that reduce crime and prevent child abuse and neglect. For this to happen, Senator Cantwell needs to hear from you!
Please call Senator Cantwell today at 202-224-3441.
Your Message:
Ø “Please include in health care reform the President’s proposed mandatory funding initiative for the establishment and expansion of evidence-based home visitation programs in states.”
Ø “High-quality home visiting programs cut child abuse and neglect in half, and help parents and kids get off to a good start.”
Ø “These investments cut later delinquency by 60%, lower criminal justice system and other expenditures down the road, and strengthen families. Health reform must include this initiative.”
Please let me know if you have any questions and what response you receive from Senator Cantwell or her staff. And feel free to forward this message to others!
Thanks!
Laura Wells
Fight Crime: Invest in Kids Washington
3706 NE 42nd Street, Suite 200
Seattle, WA 98105
