Economic Stimulus Package
Here in DC where the local news is the national news, the buzz has been about the economic stimulus
package. Economists seem certain that money needs to be pumped into the economy in order to recover from
the recession we are headed into. While any spending will be deficit spending, and by definition troublesome
in the future, we defer to those who know better about such matters. If there is going to be a stimulus
package, as seems all-but-certain, as always we lift our voices to call attention to those most in need.
Tax rebates have been the agreed upon method of stimulus
in the package put together by the House of Representatives and the administration, but the Senate still has a chance to improve
upon this package. Millions of people are left out by this package because those in greatest need don’t
necessarily file taxes. The most immediate way to introduce money into the economy is through an increase
to Food Stamps and Unemployment Insurance. Both of these programs would be effective immediately (compared
to tax rebates which are months away), and they would get money into the hands of those who need it most and are most likely
to immediately put it back into the economy.
Other programs we believe need to be stimulated in order to get help to those who need it most include the Low Income
Heating and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as folks struggle to heat their homes, Medicaid/Medicare, and childcare.
Please pray, as always, for those in power to keep in mind those most in need as they shape the policies that affect
us all.
ACTION REQUEST:
Call your Senators at (202) 224-3121 and ask them to include Food Stamps, Unemployment Insurance, LIHEAP,
Medicaid/Medicare, and childcare in the Economic Stimulus Package. You can also use this toll-free number:
1-800-826-9624 with regard to urging that Food Stamps be included
in the package.
Farm Bill Still in Conference Committee
You may recall hearing about a FARM BILL a great deal in 2007. Now
is the time for action! Congress needs to finish the job and pass the final Farm Bill with
the strongest nutrition title as soon as possible.
ACTION REQUEST:
AARP is sponsoring a toll-free line so your voice can
be heard! Call 1-800-826-9624 to reach your members of Congress and urge increases in Food Stamp benefits
and access, and in funding for TEFAP purchases. TEFAP is the Emergency Food Assistance Program, and together with the Food
Stamp benefits, hungry people can start being fed as soon as possible!
Re-Authorization of the Indian Healthcare Improvement
Act
Some exciting new information about healthcare has to do with the Native American population in our country.
The INDIAN HEALTHCARE IMPROVEMENT ACT (S.1200) is moving right now in Congress and the Native American population needs
our help in giving a voice to their cause. Their life expectancy rate is nearly 6 years less than the rest
of the US population. Suicide rates are two and half times higher than the national average and the infant
mortality rate is 150% greater than that of Caucasian infants. This bill will give Native Americans better
access to healthcare in order to help relieve these disparities and so many more. Last Tuesday and Wednesday
the Senate debated the IHCA but have not yet voted on it. Hopefully it will be taken up again tomorrow,
Tuesday the 29th.
ACTION
REQUEST:
Please pray for this bill
to be passed in a timely manner and not get de-railed with amendments or pushed aside for other “priorities”.
If you get the chance, call your Senators at (202) 224-3121
to let them know that healthcare is a human right and the Native American population has been overlooked too
long, so please pass S.1200!
Thanks
to our Education Coordinator, Meghan Dougherty, for preparing this Alert.
Ecumenical Advocacy Days in Washington, DC
Save these dates:
March 7-10, 2008. If you are interested in learning more about current legislation and advocacy
techniques, this is a great opportunity. It’s an annual inter-faith gathering of approximately 1,000
people from all over the country. (And our own Sr. Helene Hayes, RGS will be one of the presenters for
a workshop on Human Trafficking…) Registration is $160 for the full weekend (www.advocacydays.org) and some lodging space is available (free!) at the National Advocacy Center. Call us for a pep talk about
it!
