Email Script:

Subject: Please Support $2 Million for Milwaukee County Birth to 3

Dear (Supervisor Name),

As a (parent/community member/advocate) who cares about children and families in Milwaukee County, I’m writing to urge you to support a $2 million increase in funding for Birth to 3 services in the upcoming County budget.

Birth to 3 provides essential early intervention for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. These services are federally mandated and help children reach critical developmental milestones and reduce the need for costly special education later on.

Right now, the program is under financial strain.

• Enrollment has grown by 13% since 2020, but county and state funding has remained flat since 2022.
• Milwaukee County has lost 75% of its Birth to 3 providers since 2018 leaving only three, including Penfield Children’s Center.

Our remaining Milwaukee providers are doing everything they can including fundraising, dipping into reserves, and taking on unsustainable caseloads, but this isn’t sustainable. Without county action, children will face longer wait times, fewer therapy hours, and greater long-term costs for schools and taxpayers.

A $2 million investment will help stabilize this system and ensure that Milwaukee County families continue to receive the support they are legally entitled to and that every child has the best possible start.

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to Milwaukee’s children and families.

Sincerely,
(Your Name)
(Your Neighborhood or ZIP Code)