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Issues and Priorities
One of the most important federal laws the March of Dimes has helped to pass was the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP). In New Jersey, this program is called NJ FamilyCare, which provides free or low-cost health insurance to children, pregnant women, and some parents. NJ FamilyCare provides affordable health coverage for over 780,000 infants, children and certain low-income parents, but as many as 279,000 children still lack coverage according to the US Census Bureau.
 
Currently, the New Jersey Legislature is considering a budget that would  cut funding to NJ FamilyCare. Cuts to NJFamilyCare, which brings in a high level of federal matching funds compared to other state/federal match programs, will cost New Jersey in the long run more money than it will save. SCHIP generates $1.86 for every $1 that the state spends. Ultimately, these cuts will also result in increased charity care costs for treatment the uninsured will receive at hospitals and clinics.
 
Please assist us in asking New Jersey's Legislators to oppose budget cuts to NJ Family Care. Because access to health insurance is the single most important factor in determining whether children receive needed health care. Contact your legislators today http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/
Advocacy Network
The Advocacy Network is made up of volunteers and staff who promote the March of Dimes mission agenda by contacting the governor and state legislators in response to Chapter action alerts.

If you are interested in becoming a public affairs volunteer, or being part of the advocacy network, please contact: 
New Jersey Director of Program Services
(609) 655-7400
Public Policy Research
One of the responsibilities of the March of Dimes Office of Government Affairs is to direct public policy studies that support national and Chapter advocacy priorities.
New Jersey Advocacy Issues and Priorities
The March of Dimes and our volunteers continue to work to to advocate for babies and parents.  Some of our achievements with the help of our volunteers over the years have been:

2006:

-Successfully worked toward passage of New Jersey legislation to reduce harmful diesel emissions.

-Founded and led New Jersey multi-agency task force on Medicaid for pregnant women.

-Successfully worked toward passage of the "Smoke-Free Air Act" in New Jersey

 

2007:

-We have worked to secure NJ Congressmen as co-sponsors of the Federal PREEMIE bill, which would allocate additional funding for prematurity research, education, and services.

-We worked with the state of NJ to streamline the Medicaid application process for children and pregnant women.

-Increased the number of newborn screening test given to all babies born in New Jersey.

 

In 2009...so far:

-Worked to pass a bill that would require the licensure of Genetic Counselors.

-Successfully worked with the Department of Health and Senior Services to ensure the screening of 54 newborn screening conditions.



Regulation of tobacco products "Take Action"
State Children’s Health Insurance Program in Need of Funding—YOU Can Help!
Prevention and treatment programs to improve maternal, infant, and child health
Research to prevent birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality
Access to health care for women of childbearing age, infants, and children
Institutional concerns for non-profit organizations
March of Dimes New Jersey advocacy achievements


Ask members of Congress to sponsor the Preemie Act.