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Email conversations about "ending hunger in Ohio through changing conditions which cause poverty"
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Advocates for reducing hunger |
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Hunger Network in Ohio |
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Lingering ghost of Christmas future |
OK, it's Christmas! Don't we get a break from trying to do something
for someone else? Haven't we done enough?
No to both! This was my reminder.
During a time of giving thanks before our family Christmas meal today,
adults and children were unanimous in their gratitude for the basics:
food before us, shelter around us, and love for each other within us.
This scene was especially poignant for me after spending much of the
morning at a church which hosted hungry and homeless visitors for an
annual Christmas celebration and meal. Witnessing these two
contrasting Christmases, I couldn't restrain myself when it came my
turn around the table, to share a special helping of appreciation for
our abundant blessings. But then I added my grief for those I had sat
with earlier in the day. For they who had received an only temporary
reprieve, literally, from little to eat and from being back on the
streets. For they left those tables and warm surrounding this
afternoon without any of our assurances about the day after
Christmas--and the foreseeable future.
This past week, Congress did some political tabulating--if not
soul-searching--and decided at the last possible constitutional moment
to offer a small degree of assurance to millions of American hovering
on the edge of making do. They passed a temporary measure to extend
several critical decisions for a couple more months while they would
continue bickering the details. Thus, they were able to go home this
weekend without fully wrestling with the otherwise predictable ghost of
Christmas future.
As they enjoy the holidays with their families and more easily “nestle
all snug in the their beds,” we will have prime opportunities to meet,
touch, and remind them where they live. As advocates, not only for
people who depend upon occasional charitable goodwill but those leaning
that way, we can make a long-term, preventive difference their lives.
Whether or not you called, wrote, or spoke with your public officials
recently, now is the time for follow-up. As you were encouraged just
10 days ago, please contact them this week at their local office
(referenced below)
Again, after identifying yourself, first thank them for avoiding the
disaster-in-the-making which they jointly sidestepped on Christmas
Eve. They “did the right thing” and deserve gratitude.
However, take this opportunity to remind them that they need to “seal
the deal.” The three measures they extended two days ago MUST be
finalized before the end of February. Without the warmth and fuzziness
of a holiday season, at the same juncture as we were last week, “just
do it” … sooner than later.
Perhaps we're all stuffed with enough pre-Christmas discussion,
referencing, and information about what happened. But we need to know
about the critical significance of passing these three programs
designed to relieve pressure on struggling families across the board.
This ranges from medical services for those stuck in poverty, to
unemployment assistance for those close, to payroll insurance holiday
for everyone.
Since last Friday, a two-month extension of the payroll tax cut was
sign by President Obama. The measure had been cleared earlier in the
day by the Democratic-controlled Senate and the Republican-controlled
House of Representatives by unanimous consent, a procedural move
allowing the measure to pass even though most members of Congress were
already home for the holidays. The $33 billion bill also includes a
two-month extension of emergency federal unemployment benefits and the
so-called "doc fix," a delay in scheduled payment reductions to doctors
who treat Medicare patients.
Congress will consider a longer extension of all three measures when it
reconvenes in January. That's when the fun begins.
In preparation, now's the time to get to legislators while they are
“home for the holidays” with the message not to compromise the
integrity of each of these benefits. Again, simply (although add as
much detail as serves to strength your point) ask them to pass one
year extensions to
- payroll tax relief
- unemployment coverage
- reductions in payments to doctors who treat persons in poverty
Contacts
Locate congressional websites with local information
Articles
Remember the Alamo: What's the last political lesson of
2011 to be learned from Congress passing a two-month extension of a popular tax
cut?
In need, in deed
Medicare 'doc fix' debate in Congress less predictable this
year
The Cratchit Tax Credit: What a stressed-out mom and dad really want
for Christmas is some help.
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