Michelle Gogerty, March of Dimes, (515) 657-6294, mgogerty@marchofdimes.com

Des Moines, Iowa, February 29, 2012 —

On Feb. 29, Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds attended the March of Dimes Iowa Chapter's Lobby Day at the Iowa State Capitol and expressed support for the organization's mission. Gov. Branstad signed an official proclamation, declaring the day as March of Dimes Volunteer Day.

Organization family volunteers, board members, grantees and staff spent the day meeting with over 40 legislators urging them to reconsider a $6 million dollar budget cut negatively impacting Hawk-I (Iowa’s CHIP program), to restore funding to smoking cessation programs in Iowa, and to consider the special needs of women and children when developing Iowa’s Healthcare Exchange.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.

_{March of Dimes youth volunteers meet Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Gov. Terry Branstad}