FROM THE DESK OF JILL MOSOVICH,
CHAIR OF PUBLIC POLICY - FLAEYC


It is very important that as a first step in our pro-active approach to combat the draconian cuts in the Federal budget for 2010, we MUST make calls to our individual Representatives in the U.S. House.  This is no typo - they are still arguing about the 2010 Budget.  Right now it is in "continuing resolution" that passed on 12/22/10.  Normally, the new Federal Budget is funded on October 1st.  President Obama has made a PROPOSAL for the NEW 2011 Budget, which is why many people are more confused than usual about the Budget.  We will only address one thing in this email (the 2010 Budget) ~ more will follow very soon because there is a time-table involved. 

Please go to www.house.gov  to find out who your Representative in the House of Representatives is.  I always suggest that you call the Rep. in your HOME district and the Rep. who represents your childcare center district.  The House  is debating a package tomorrow that makes deep cuts to early childhood programs and would cause 368,000 children to lose access to Head Start and child care.

Those 368,000 children need our help. Call your Representative in the U.S. House NOW and tell Congress that this package is absolutely unacceptable!

Take action and oppose H.R. 1 by Calling Your One Representative in the U.S. House:

1.     Call the Congressional Switchboard at  (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to your House Member. Not sure who that is? Look it up using your zip code here [http://action.nwlc.org/site/PageServer?pagename=find_your_elected_official]

2.     Once you’ve been connected, a staff person will answer the phone. Tell the staff person:

"My name is ___ and I’m calling from (city)___. (If you’re calling from a child care or Head Start program, mention that too.)

H.R. 1, the House funding package, makes unacceptable cuts to Head Start and child care. These cuts mean that 368,000 children will lose access to early care and education.

Child care and early learning programs help children succeed in school and later in life and help parents work. These cuts will not help our economy.

As a constituent and an advocate for young children, I want my Representative to know that I oppose the House funding package and I’m counting on my Representative to oppose it too.

Thank you."

Thank you so very much for your work.  You must understand how important this moment is.  Children and families are facing an incredible cut in funding. The decision makers must know that our country needs a wiser investment of our money.