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. Members will also receive information regarding advocacy activities such as our Annual Lobby Day. If you are interested in becoming a public affairs volunteer, or being part of the advocacy network, please contact:

 

Lisa Talbott
Washington Chapter State Program and Public Affairs Director

Ltalbott@marchofdimes.com
(206) 624-1373

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.

2010 Washington Advocacy Issues and Priorities
The Governor released the second draft of her proposed 2010 supplemental budget, which continues to eliminate programs that support Newborn Screening services.  The legislators are moving quickly through the budget process and we need to ensure they understand the impacts the proposed budget cuts will have on every baby born in our state.   

 

They need to hear from you!  We urge you to contact your legislators and make them aware of these devastating cuts.  Below is a sample letter to use as a template in drafting your personal email or letter.

To find your legislators, go to: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspx   

Tips on writing to your state legislators

Any questions or comments please contact Lisa Talbott, State Program & Public Affairs Director at 206-624-1373 x17 or Ltalbott@marchofdimes.com    

Thank you for your on-going support,  

March of Dimes

Sample Letter    
 
Subject: Washington’s babies are counting on you

Dear   :

I am deeply concerned about the Governor’s proposed 2010 supplemental budget and how it will impact Washington’s babies.  Please do not eliminate:

1. Newborn Screening Subsidies: $408,000
Funds to support treatments for children with certain inherited or metabolic disorders such as PKU and sickle cell disease are discontinued.  

2. Hearing Disorder Awareness Training: $287,000
Funds to support the Early Hearing-loss Detection, Diagnosis and Intervention program are eliminated 
 
These funds have been essential for helping to make sure that all newborns with hearing loss or heritable disorders receive appropriate and necessary interventions. A second screen is done to reduce the chance of a false positive result and then families are referred to the closest and most qualified specialty clinic for diagnostic services as well as any intervention services needed for their baby. The proposed funding cuts will eliminate key case management and potentially prevent babies from getting the treatments they need and ultimately create a greater cost to the state.

Please protect these funds and be a champion for Washington’s babies.

Sincerely, 

[Your Name]

Resources

To find out which lawmakers represent your district, click here.

Timeline - Washington State Newborn Screening Panel

Core Disorders - Washington State Newborn Screening

Newborn Screening Hearing - Fact Sheet

Newborn Screening Core Conditions - Fact Sheet

Tips on writing to your state legislators

Tips for Effective Legislative Visits