Hi Friend, September is a big month for learning. For millions of kids across the U.S., it’s the start of a brand-new school year – and today is even International Literacy Day! But if Congress doesn’t act soon, the end of the month could mark the end of early learning opportunities for thousands of kids. The Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting program (MIECHV) gives the nation’s hardest-to-reach children a head start in their learning journey, providing families with educational resources, health support and counseling. It’s a vital safety net and a ladder out of poverty – but it’s set to expire on September 30th. This International Literacy Day, tell your members of Congress: we must reauthorize MIECHV and increase funding so children in need can get a stronger, healthier start in life! Friend learning starts at home. But 2 out of 3 kids growing up in poverty don’t have a single book of their own. That’s why MIECHV is so essential. It helps parents become their children’s first – and best – teachers, giving them tools to overcome challenges like unemployment, hunger and limited access to health care. We have less than 30 days to prevent struggling families and communities from losing this vital support. Let’s celebrate the month of learning with a big victory for kids: renewed funding for home visiting programs! Tell Congress: it’s time to make big investments in MIECHV – and kids’ futures. Thank you for being a voice for kids, | 
