An important program for Wisconsin families is in jeopardy. This week, I authored a bipartisan letter to try to save it.
The Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (MIECHV) is a federal grant program that supports evidence-based home visiting for families from pregnancy through kindergarten entry. Home visiting programs provide important support for low-income, high-risk families to improve the health and well-being of children and new parents. The MIECHV program is set to expire on September 30, 2022, unless Congress takes action to reauthorize the program. This program provides millions of dollars for Wisconsin to use for our successful, evidence-based home visiting programs.
I have drafted a bipartisan letter to Congress requesting the reauthorization of the MIECHV program, an increase in funds to meet current needs better, and the continuance of a policy to allow virtual home visits. Virtual visits were instituted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and both providers and participating families appreciated the added flexibility virtual visits provided.
It's my hope our letter will spur Congressional leaders to act and re-authorize this program quickly.