Speaking Out! 8/2/2010

A critical Senate vote later today

Early tonight, the Senate is expected to initially approve $16.1 billion in additional Medicaid support (FMAP) and $10 billion to avert teacher layoffs, a move that Voices has heavily supported as a way to avoid cuts in vital child services.

Unfortunately, the amendment would offset the increased funds by cutting SNAP (food stamps) by nearly $7 billion.  Voices for America’s Children, AARP and the Food Research and Action Center have written to Congress leadership to express grave concerns.

More than 40 million vulnerable Americans depend on SNAP.  They have very low-incomes:  in an average month in 2008, 87 percent of SNAP households had incomes at or below the federal poverty level, and nearly 41 percent had incomes at or below one half of the poverty line.  Nearly half of all SNAP recipients were children.  Nearly one in ten was age 60 or over.

Call your senators at (866)277-7617 and tell them:

• Providing Medicaid and education funds for the states in the coming weeks is critical
• But you are deeply concerned that SNAP benefits could be reduced.  Tell your senators to find other offsets, rather than benefiting needy children only at the expense of other needy children.

Read the letter to Congress from Voices, AARP and the Food Research and Action Center about the importance of protecting food programs.

Voices joins Strengthen Social Security Campaign

Last week, a broad coalition of groups announced a campaign to educate the public and policymakers on the importance of social security programs to children, seniors, the disabled and others.  For more information and to learn about the importance of social security programs to children, please see Voices testimony before the “Deficit Commission.”  For more on the campaign: http://strengthensocialsecurity.org/

Congress to adjourn for recess

At the end of this week, both the U.S. House and Senate are in recess until September 14.  During this time, members of Congress will hold events and meetings in their states and it is a perfect time to talk with your representatives and let them know your concerns. Look for a “recess message” in the next few days from Voices to help you educate your senators and representatives.