Reauthorization of the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program, along with Community Health Centers and other health care programs, was not included in the short-term continuing resolution passed yesterday by Congress. The continuing resolution includes six-year reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and ends the government shut-down through February 8th, providing time to consideration of legislation regarding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) immigration program.
Home visiting advocates continue to urge Congress to include MIECHV in any moving legislative vehicle. At this point, with funding extended through February 8th, the next opportunity will be in early February. Over the next several weeks, home visiting advocates are urging supporters to contact their Congressional members and tell them to renew MIECHV now.