Tag: Health

1,000 Days supports a range of federal programs that are critical for millions of America’s moms and babies during the critical 1,000-day window, or the time from a woman’s pregnancy through her child’s second birthday.

Programs like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infant and Children (WIC) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are essential to ensuring that women and babies receive access to healthy food, nutrition counseling, and breastfeeding support. They are core pieces of a healthy first 1,000 days for our nation’s children.

But unfortunately, future funding for WIC, SNAP and many other federal programs that America’s families rely on is at risk.

Congress is currently considering a tax reform plan that, if passed, would:

• Increase the federal deficit by over a trillion dollars, squeezing out future spending on federal programs that provide critical services for millions of America’s families.
• Threaten funding for public health and key health care interventions, making it harder for women and their babies to access needed services and supports.
• Repeal a key provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that is estimated to result in steeply rising health care premiums and leave 13 million people without health insurance.

For these reasons, 1,000 Days has serious concerns with the pending tax package being debated by Congress. Reducing federal funding for critical government services and limiting access to affordable health coverage will hurt moms, children, and families.

Instead, we urge Congress to pass legislation that protects all families’ access to the health care, nutrition supports, and other key services they need to thrive today and into the future.