March of Dimes: Budget Sends Mixed Signals

2/5/2002

From: Christina Manero of the March of Dimes, 202-659-1800 or 202-215-7208 (cell); e-mail: cmanero@marchofdimes.com

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 -- "The just released administration budget contains good news and bad news for mothers, infants and children," said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. "The March of Dimes is pleased that the budget proposes an increase in funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and calls for additional resources for Community Health Centers. The Foundation also endorses the administration's decision to retain $3.2 billion in unspent State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) funds for the program."

In addition, the March of Dimes commends the administration for continuing its commitment to increase funding for research supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH); however, the March of Dimes is disappointed that the proposed allocation of funding to the National Institute for Child Health and Human Development falls short of the five-year goal to double federal appropriations for this critical area of research.

"With respect to other agencies, we are deeply concerned about the proposal to reduce overall funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by $170 million, most specifically the $1 million cut in support of the Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities," said Dr. Howse. "The work of the CDC implements groundbreaking research being conducted through NIH. Support of this critical agency should be increased, not decreased. By providing states the technical assistance they need to identify causes and develop preventive interventions, the CDC plays a pivotal role in translating biomedical research findings that result from NIH funding into birth defects and disease prevention strategies."

Also of concern to the March of Dimes is the budget proposal's lack of dedicated funding for newborn screening programs. While the administration suggests that at least the newborn hearing screening could be covered under the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Block Grant, no increase in MCH Block Grant funding is recommended.

Finally, the March of Dimes appreciates greatly the administration's emphasis on initiatives to stimulate charitable giving. "We are particularly pleased by the proposed reinstatement of a deduction for charitable contributions made by tax payers who file the short form. Charities in communities across the country depend on individual contributions. If enacted, this initiative will bring greater equity to the tax system and encourage new donors to support organizations doing important work in their community," said Dr. Howse.

"The March of Dimes looks forward to working with the administration and Members of Congress to support many of the initiatives contained in this budget and to improve others," added Dr. Howse.

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of children by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education and advocacy. For more information visit the March of Dimes Web site at http://www.modimes.org, its Spanish Web site at http://www.nacersano.org or call 888-MODIMES.