Government shutdown averted, Rep. Pettersen advocates for full WIC funding
October 4, 2023
While Congress avoided a government shutdown for at least 45 days, the full federal budget for 2024 remains up for debate and includes annual funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The program provides food assistance and other benefits during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as for children under the age of 5 – some of the most important years for brain development and healthy growth.
The program needs a significant increase in funding for the fiscal year to support increased participation and provide full benefits to those enrolled across the nation. If Congress does not fully fund WIC, new parents and young children could be waitlisted, while others could see their benefits cut, in 2024. Approximately 66,000 in Colorado could be directly impacted if this happens.
Last week, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen led Colorado’s Democratic delegation in urging Congressional leadership to fully fund WIC ahead of the potential government shutdown. She spearheaded a joint letter expressing concerns over the level of funding allocated to WIC. Signing members called for the inclusion of sufficient resources for the program in any short-term spending bill to avert a government shutdown. Additionally, the letter outlined the need to fully fund WIC in the 2024 fiscal year budget to sustain the program long-term and prevent participants from losing access to benefits.
The Blueprint applauds Congresswoman Pettersen’s steadfast support for WIC, which exemplifies her dedication to the health and well-being of Coloradans. Our statewide network of community members and advocates is grateful for her leadership in urging full funding for a program that provides a lifeline for families through access to healthy foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support.
Read more about Rep. Pettersen’s efforts to fully fund WIC and the letter sent to Congressional leadership.