URGENT ACTION ALERT
Calls Needed Now!
PROTECT PROGRAMS FOR THE POOR FROM BUDGET CUTS

November 15, 2005

 

Thanks to your hard work and that of other advocates, last week's scheduled vote on the House of Representatives' budget cuts package was postponed because the House leadership did not have the votes to pass the bill. They have been working to make changes in the bill that will secure the necessary votes to pass it. The bill could be brought up for a vote as soon as this Thursday, November 17.

 

The bill is a compilation of budget-cutting proposals passed by several House committees over the past two weeks. The House bill, as it stood last week, could result in low-income and vulnerable people losing access to health care through Medicaid, and having their Food Stamp benefits reduced or cut. Some legal immigrants would also be cut off the Food Stamp program. Important agriculture conservation programs would also be cut. Calls to Representatives are needed immediately - today and tomorrow!

 

ACTION REQUESTED

 

Please call or fax your Representative and ask him or her to:

 

Ø Oppose cuts in Medicaid funding which could have a negative impact on the poor and vulnerable
Ø Oppose changes to Medicaid co-payment or premium requirements which could result in people who rely on Medicaid losing access to or being denied needed health care because of inability to pay.
Ø Maintain a federal standard of core benefits, necessary for the maintenance of good health, to which all Medicaid beneficiaries are entitled.
Ø Oppose cuts to the Food Stamp program, and oppose making legal immigrants wait two more years to get Food Stamps
Ø Oppose cuts in the child support collection system that will mean less child support for children
Ø Oppose cuts to agriculture conservation programs
Ø Support proposals to limit federal farm payment programs, while continuing to assist small and moderate-sized farms

 

To find phone and fax numbers for your Representative please visit http://www.house.gov/ or call the Capital Switchboard at 202-224-3131 and ask to be transferred to your Representative.