Senator Urges Inclusion of NFP in State Budget, Approval of Medicaid Funding to Ensure Universal Accessibility for Eligible NY Families
NEW YORK – Today, State Senator Daniel Squadron welcomed President Obama's plan to expand early childhood education, including by growing federal support for Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP).
Senator Squadron, the former chair of the Senate Social Services Committee, has long championed the expansion of NFP, a proven program that matches low-income first-time mothers with registered nurses for home visits throughout pregnancy until the child is two-years-old.
In 2009 and 2010 Squadron secured $7 million in state funding for the program, allowing NFP to grow the number of families for which it can provide services. Last year, Squadron was successful in advocating for $2.5 million for NFP in the state budget; he is urging the same level of funding in this year's budget, as well as federal approval of Medicaid funding for NFP in New York.
Studies have consistently found that NFP’s work reduces child neglect and abuse, improves children’s behavior and school performance, and saves money.
Senator Squadron released the following statement:
“Nurse-Family Partnership is proven to change the lives of young families and the opportunities that growing kids have. That’s why I've long fought to expand the number of New York families who have access to this program and the profound service it provides.
"All children deserve high-quality care and early education, no matter where they live. The President's plan means there's enormous potential to expand NFP's vital services -- and make an important difference in the lives of even more families and children who need it.
"I urge my colleagues to join President Obama and fund NFP in this year's budget. And I hope that the President's focus on NFP is a sign that the federal government will approve critical Medicaid funding for NFP in the state's waiver application - which would give all eligible families in New York universal access to its life-changing services."
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