Dr. Marina L. Weiss, senior vice president of public policy and government affairs for the March of Dimes, issued the following statement on the President’s Fiscal Year 2012 budget:
“The March of Dimes commends President Obama for presenting to Congress a budget that proposes increased investments in life-saving biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health; it is also noteworthy that funding for prevention programs at the Centers for Disease Control are maintained. From its preventive health programs including folic acid education, birth defects surveillance and research, to its preterm birth studies, essential CDC programs must continue to be fully funded if we are to truly improve the health of our nation’s children.
“The March of Dimes raises concerns, as we did last year, regarding the Administration’s proposal to cap tax deductions for charitable contributions. At a time when non-profit organizations are experiencing record demand for their services and reduced revenue, every effort should be made to encourage, not limit, charitable giving. It is our hope that Congress will once more set this recommendation aside.
“There is no question that decisions about what steps should be taken to get our deficit and debt under control are going to be difficult. Such decisions, however, should not come at the expense of women and children, and the measurable gains we have made in improving public health.
“At the March of Dimes, we look forward to working with the President and Congress to secure enactment of a budget that maintains investments in lifesaving research and essential services including prenatal and well-child care, immunizations, and access to specialty services for children with birth defects or chronic conditions.”