Policy Update
Responding to Katrina by Cutting Programs for the Needy is an Outrage
10/14/2005
Source: Coalition on Human Needs
On October 17th Or 18th Tell Congress:
Responding To Katrina By Cutting Programs For The Needy Is An
OUTRAGE!
Some in Congress want to use the hurricane as an excuse to make even deeper cuts in services for people in need and to pass even more tax cuts for the well-off. Many members are saying that we cannot afford the clean-up and rebuilding efforts unless we cut programs that serve the needy -- even as they support tax cuts for the wealthy that cost at least seven times as much as Katrina expenditures. If they can get away with cutting human needs NOW... well, we don't even want to think about it.
1-800-426-8073
Call the Capitol toll-free October 17 or 18 and tell Congress to get its priorities straight.
Tell your friends and networks that they can call the Capitol using this toll-free number (thanks to the American Friends Service Committee) on the 17th and 18th.
Step 1: On October 17 or 18, call 1-800-426-8073 to be connected toll-free to the Capitol Switchboard. Ask to speak to one of the senators from your state.
Step 2: When the senator's phone is answered, say:
"My name is ___________ and I live in [your town/city]. I would like Senator [name] to oppose $35 billion in cuts to Medicaid, Food Stamps and other vital services, and to oppose $70 billion in more tax cuts."
"The right priorities are protecting people from sickness and hardship,
investing in housing, jobs, and other services that families need - not
squandering billions on tax cuts for the well-connected."
Step 3: Use the toll-free number in step 1 and call your other senator and your representative. If the lines are busy, please be patient and try again. Or, dial their direct lines (not toll-free) - find the numbers at www.senate.gov and www.house.gov
Click here for a flier that provides all the information about our toll-free call-in days: http://www.chn.org/pdf/congresspriorities.pdf
Click here for background about the cuts Congressional leaders are considering: http://www.chn.org/pdf/congressprioritiesbackground.pdf
Polls show Americans choose aiding Katrina victims over new tax cuts by a margin of 2 to 1.
So what's Congress's reponse? Congress will return to Washington Monday, and many committees will take up legislation to cut spending, targeting at least Medicaid and Food Stamps, and quite possibly other vital forms of assistance like the Earned Income Tax Credit, TANF, or child welfare services. Not only that, but Congress is starting to talk about across-the-board cuts in most other programs.
Both your Senators and your Representative need to hear it from you.