| March 4, 2005
Protect the Poor
and Vulnerable in the Budget!
Congress is currently considering
its Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year 2006 that will
establish the parameters for federal taxes and spending
for next year. While both Houses of Congress will
be considering budget resolutions, we will be focusing
our efforts on the Senate. If the Senate follows the
outline of the President’s proposed budget, we can
anticipate both cuts in domestic programs, including
entitlement programs, and insufficient investments
in foreign assistance programs. A growing number of
people here and abroad face the challenges of poverty.
It is critical that our Senators hear from us forcefully
and soon.
While Senators on the
Budget Committee (listed below) will make the initial
decisions, it is important that all Senators are contacted.
If your Senators are not on the Budget Committee,
ask them to convey our message to their colleagues
on the Committee. Contact your Senators NOW with the
following message about the budget resolution.
-
Preserve an adequate safety net
for the poor and vulnerable at home. Oppose cuts
in HUD programs that provide access to safe, affordable
housing. Oppose cuts in Medicaid and maintain
its fundamental guarantee of health care for low-income
families and children, the elderly, and people
with disabilities. Oppose cuts in food stamps,
which are being proposed to protect farm subsidies.
Oppose cuts in other vital human services.
-
Reduce global poverty and promote
peace. Support relief, development, and health
needs in Africa and other developing parts of
the world. Provide assistance and protection to
refugees.
-
Raise sufficient resources so
that government can promote the common good. Insist
that adequate federal revenues be available to
help meet the unmet basic needs of vulnerable
people in our country and throughout the world.
USCCB Position: See the letter
to Congress from Bishop Skylstad, President of the
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
PHONE CALLS
Because time is short
and new security measures lengthen the delivery of
mail to Congress, the most effective way to communicate
your concern is to contact your Senators directly
and leave a brief phone message. You can contact their
offices through the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121.
Once you are connected to the Senator’s office, ask
to speak with the legislative assistant for budget
issues. If you get voicemail, note that they received
Bishop Skylstad’s letter dated February 15, 2005,
(attached) and use the bullets above to leave a brief
message. Be sure to identify yourself and say where
you are from.
While calls to all Senators
are important, the following Members of the Budget
Committee are key to this first effort to influence
the budget process:
Gregg
(NH), Chn
Conrad (ND)
Sarbanes (MD)
Murray (WA)
Wyden (OR)
Feingold (WI)
Johnson (SD)
Byrd (WV)
Nelson (FL)
Stabenow (MI)
Corzine (NJ)
Grassley (IA)
Enzi (WY)
Bunning (KY)
Ensign (NV)
Alexander (TN)
Domenici (NM)
Allard (CO)
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