From: fairbudgetcoalition@googlegroups.com
(On Behalf Of Ed Lazere)
Sent: Friday, May 21, 2010 11:52 AM
Subject: URGENT ACTION ALERT ON THE BUDGET
 
More than $25 million in safety net cuts are still on the table for the FY2011 budget, and yesterday we began to see support dissolve for restoring for these programs.

There's another opportunity TODAY at 2pm, and we need you to help solidify our supporters. When Councilmembers start their meeting at 2pm, we need them committed to raising taxes on the top 5%, NOT cutting vital safety net services.

ACTION BEFORE 1PM: So, we need you to call 2 At-Large Councilmembers and your Ward Councilmember BEFORE 1 PM today. If you can't call, you can email here.

Michael Brown
Phil Mendelson
Your Ward Councilmember (unless you live in Ward 2)
 
Below you will find -- the phone numbers, the script, and the list of cuts.

M. Brown (202) 724-8105
Mendelson (202) 724-8064

Ward 1: Graham (202) 724-8181
Ward 3:Cheh (202) 724-8062 
Ward 4: Bowser: (202) 724-8052
Ward 5:Thomas: (202) 724-8028
Ward 6: Wells (202) 724-8072
Ward 7: Alexander (202) 724-8068
Ward 8: Barry (202) 724-8045 
 
Script

This is _______________, a resident of Ward ___. I'm calling because I know you are a supporter of a strong safety net. We are still facing cuts to disability assistance, job training, affordable housing and many more. (Add whatever you care about.) We need you to stand strong today and clearly and publicly support a tax on high income earners.

We have a strong coalition of council members willing to take a courageous stand and support this tax increase.  We need to hear you say today that you will protect vital human services through a progressive income tax. Stand up with your fellow council members and citizens to Save Our Safety net today.

Local Rent Supplement ($2 million)
Restore funds cut from the FY 2010 budget
                                                                      
Emergency Rental Assistance ($1.3 million)
Funding in 2011 – $7.4 million – is $1.3 below approved FY2010 level. If anything, ERAP should be expanded.       
                                                    
Homeless Services ($4 million)
Funding for homeless services has been reduced at a time when the number of homeless families in DC have been rising. 

Adult Job Training ($2.5 million)
The budget would entirely eliminate funds provided in FYI 2010.

Interim Disability Assistance ($7 million)
Participation is capped at 1,500 – about half of last year’s level. 
                                              
Grandparent Caregiver ($1.3 million)          
Helps grandparents caring for grandchildren and keeps children out of foster care.        

Rapid Housing ($1.1 million)
The budget would eliminate this program, which keeps families together and keeps children out of foster care. 
                                                                      
Office of Latino Affairs ($1.1 million)               
Grant funding has been cut to providers that provide services largely to low-income Latinos.