Madison…Reach Out and Read, a national nonprofit, named Senator Ballweg to its inaugural Honor Roll Class for her efforts championing Reach Out and Read’s mission to strengthen family bonds and improve early literacy. Senator Ballweg was one of six public policy advocates in the nation to be recognized by Reach Out and Read.
“I am honored to receive this award from Reach Out and Read and I appreciate our partnership over the many years working together toward our shared goal of promoting healthy relationships between new parents and their children through literacy.”
Reach Out and Read accomplishes its mission by integrating guidance to parents about reading with their children, advice on building healthy relationships and providing books to the family during their well-child visits.
“As a former elementary school teacher, Senator Ballweg understands the importance of reading. After visiting a Reach Out and Read clinic, she understood the power of the program,” said Reach Out and Read Wisconsin Medical Director Dipesh Navsaria. “After seeing the need for additional staff and clinics, she became a legislative champion, helping us secure state funding and grow in a number of ways. We are grateful for her ongoing support.”
To support Reach Out and Read’s growth so it could impact more Wisconsin families, Senator Ballweg secured $500,000 in the 2021-23 biennial budget, which is the first time the organization received state support. Senator Ballweg successfully advocated to provide Reach Out and Read another $500,000 in the current 2023-25 budget.
According to Reach Out and Read, in 2010 Wisconsin’s program served nine percent of children under five years old. Now, Wisconsin’s program has grown to cover:
· 60 of 72 counties
· 13 major health systems
· 43 Federally Qualified Health Centers, in 17 counties
· 297 of 799 eligible clinics
· 259,931 books provided through 292,679 well-child visits in FY23
· 150,557 of 313,281 children under five years old served
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