All of us at the National Advocacy Center hope you have been able to enjoy a little down time during August.  With Congress away until after Labor Day, things have been a little quieter here in DC (though certainly not around the world), but we’ve been trying to keep an eye on a few things and wanted to let you know about a couple of upcoming activities/events.

 

AUGUST 31st – DEADLINE TO SUBMIT COMMENTS TO CITIZEN’S HEALTH CARE WORKING GROUP

 

Earlier this year we shared information with you about the opportunity to help shape our the debate about national health care policy by participating in a survey and regional town hall meetings of the Citizen’s Health Care Working Group, a non-partisan commission set up by Congress to find out what kind of health care system Americans want and how to make health care work for everyone.  Earlier this summer, the Working Group issued a list of interim recommendations based on public comments, community meetings, input from health experts, and the latest research.  These recommendations can be found at the Working Group’s website.  One of the most exciting of these recommendations is that "It should be public policy that all Americans have affordable health care by 2012!"

 

For the past several weeks, the Working Group has been soliciting additional comments on these recommendations so that they can fine tune them before submitting them to Congress and the President.  Both individuals and organizations are welcome to comment. Click here to see what people are saying. The deadline to submit comments on the interim recommendations is AUGUST 31st (this Thursday) and your input is critical to ensuring that the final recommendations really will help move our country toward affordable, quality health care for all. To view a short video about the Citizen's Health Care Working Group, read the recommendations, and submit comments, please click here.

 

To view the National Advocacy Center's comments, click here.

 

          CENSUS DATA RELEASE THIS WEEK         

 

Tomorrow the Census Bureau will release its latest data on poverty, income, and health insurance in the U.S.  In recent years, this data has shown growing poverty (especially extreme poverty), stagnating incomes, and declining health insurance rates, despite strong corporate profits and much touted economic growth.  Last year's data was released right as Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast and the devastating effects of poverty became so visible to all of the country--if only for a brief period.  While we don't know what to expect this year, the data always serves as a powerful reminder of how much more we have to do as a country to live into our values of equality and opportunity for all.

 

Earlier this month our friends at the Coalition on Human Needs hosted a conference call seminar on how to use the Census information to alert the public and public officials about the need for policy changes to address poverty and increasing need throughout the country.  If you were unable to participate in the conference, you can find much of the information in the links below along with some action ideas. 

 

Audio of the Web Seminar

Slides from the Seminar

Outline for a Press Release

Questions and Answers About the Census Data

 

          GULF COAST ONE YEAR LATER         

 

This week also marks the one year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.  Although some progress has been made, much of the Gulf Coast and New Orleans in particular remains devastated and both congressional and public attentions have fallen away. As we work with our partners in DC to help refocus attention to the needs of the Gulf Coast, we wanted to share a few resources with you for reflection.

 

Prayer for Victims and Relief Workers

Prayer Service from Catholic Charities

Collection of Poverty and Gulf Coast Reports from the Coalition on Human Needs

Statement from the National Council of Churches USA’s Special Commission on a Just Rebuilding of the Gulf Coast

 

Finally, with the November congressional elections coming up soon, we want to let you know that we are updating the "Voter Resources" section of our website and we encourage you to check back occasionally to find additional info about voter registration and how non-profit organizations can be involved.