As a father of four, there are few things more important to me than making sure all of our kids are able to thrive. As your Congressman, I’m committed to finding evidence-based solutions that can improve the health and wellbeing of our communities.

That’s why I voted in favor of the Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act. This bipartisan bill, named after my late colleague - and friend - Congresswoman Jackie Walorski of Indiana, reauthorizes the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program.

The MIECHV program offers families the opportunity to participate in evidence-based home visiting programs and work with trained professionals to set and achieve goals that improve the health and well-being of their kids. In addition, this program helps prevent child abuse and neglect, supports positive parenting and promotes healthy development and school readiness.

Studies have shown that home visits by a nurse, social worker, or other trained professional during pregnancy and throughout the first years of a child’s life can dramatically improve the health of both the child and the family. By investing in the wellbeing of kids at an early age, we can make sure that they are set up for success. And that’s a goal that I’ll continue to fight for.