Time to Start Connecting with New Members of Congress
The 116th Congress, which formally begins on Jan. 3, will include over 80 new members. The time is ripe to begin familiarizing yourself with your new senators and representatives and prepare to let them know that you are a resource for all things maternal and child health!

While they won't have official websites until they are sworn in, most newly elected officials can be reached through their campaign emails and websites now. AMCHP has compiled this handy Excel document of both. Don't hesitate to contact AMCHP Government Affairs staff Amy Haddad (ahaddad@amchp.org) or Alyson Northrup (anorthrup@amchp.org) if you need further assistance.

Whether you reach out now or early in January, here is a sample message:

Dear Rep. or Rep.-elect/Sen. or Sen.-elect ______,

My name is _____ and I am writing to let you know that I can be a resource for you and your staff on maternal and child health issues. I work in [ex/our state's Title V maternal and child health agency] and am happy to provide you with information about maternal and child public health efforts in our state related to the health of women, children, and their families, including those with special health care needs. I can be reached at [email] or [phone number] and look forward to being in touch!

Sincerely,

[Name]

[Address]

Public Charge Rule Comment Period Ends Dec. 10
AMCHP is deeply concerned about the potential effects of the proposed rule known as the "public charge rule." This proposed rule would expand the benefits that would be considered in determining if a person applying for his or her legal permanent residency (also known as a "green card") is likely to become a public charge.

AMCHP is preparing comments, and we encourage you to submit your own comments highlighting the potential negative effects of this rule on access to important health care services. AMCHP compiled a list of resources, including template comments from partner organizations, that you may wish to use as the basis for your individual or organizational comments. AMCHP's comments will be shared no later than Dec. 6 during AMCHP's monthly national policy call.

Get Up-To-Date on Federal MCH Policy
The next event in the All-Member National MCH Policy Call series will take place on Thursday, Dec. 6, from 2-3 p.m. ET.