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Congress and RIF:
Understanding Your Role
 Did you realize that without funding from Congress, most RIF programs would not exist?
Federal funding for RIF is never guaranteed. Each year, when the appropriations process begins in February, RIF must go before the members of the Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittee and ask for funds that will allow us to serve existing RIF programs and begin new programs that will serve children on the RIF waitlist.
In difficult fiscal times, Congress must make tough decisions about which programs to fund or cut. If members of Congress do not recognize that federal dollars given to RIF are an important investment in the education of children in their community, then they will believe that those funds can be better utilized somewhere else.
 Would you continue to write a check for millions of dollars to give to a program if you didn’t know whether that program made a difference?
Your elected representative will listen to you because the voice of a constituent is a powerful tool. If RIF is to continue to be funded, program coordinators, site coordinators, children, parents, caregivers, and everyone who believes that RIF makes a difference needs to communicate that message to their members of Congress often!
If you believe that RIF books, resources, and motivational activities make a difference in the lives and education of children and their families, then you must share this with your representative and senators. We’re ready to help you reach out to your member of Congress now.
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