This week, Ohio’s senior U.S. senator, Sherrod Brown, hosted a conference call to introduce two new pieces of legislation that will increase access to the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and help combat medical issues associated with lack of access to adequate nutrition.

According to Brown’s office, the Community Access to Resources and Education for Families Act would create a grant program for local WIC agencies and clinics to increase the number of Ohioans in the program, while the WIC Enrollment Collaboration Act would strengthen collaboration between SNAP, Medicaid and WIC so that more people can get enrolled.

Despite the frequent criticisms some in Washington and the media make of social spending, WIC is a one program where the benefits are clear.

A recent study by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that participation in the program is associated with lower pre-term birth rates and reduced infant mortality.

Brown’s legislation will help those in need get access to care and will build on an already-successful program.

We commend the senator in this effort and hope that Republicans on the other side of the aisle, who control the chamber, will join him in working to get it passed.