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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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Lest we forget…and they act on our part |
We're getting down to the wire in Washington these days. Wrangling among
political parties (“R,” “D,” and “T”ea) over saving money, which until now has
led to little progress, will likely rush to the finish line this week.
At odds have been contentious approaches to extending the ability of the federal
government to pay its bills while reducing the deficit, balancing the budget
through cutting spending, not raising taxes, and doing all this before the
curfew on elevating the debt ceiling on August 2nd. Whew!
Schemes rise and fall daily. One came on strong yesterday entitled “Cut, Cap,
and Balance” if you're favorable (or "duck, dodge and dismantle" if not). It
passed in the Republican dominated House of Representatives last evening but
either be shot down today in the Democrat-controlled Senate or the
vetoed-wielding President. Another more promising bipartisan possibility popped
up last night. Stitched together by the “Gang of Six” senators and injecting
new hope for breaking the stalemate.
However, since any prospective resolution--with promises of radical spending
reductions could decimate human services protections--we would better focus upon
the impact upon persons in need. These could result in cuts of 50% over the next
ten years to programs like SNAP/food stamps and other programs that compose the
safety net-the net that has provided modest relief to hundreds of thousands of
Ohioans still affected by the recent recession. These proposals would virtually
ensure that an economic downturn would end up as a deep depression, erasing any
real ability of the government to pursue countercyclical fiscal policies.
* Call the Capitol Switchboard toll-free (1)
at 1-800-826-3688.
* Ask for your House of member and our two Ohio Senators (2)
* If you've time for just one call, make it for Speaker Boehner's or Senator
Portman's offices.
Let them know you are in
their state (district), and that within these budget proposals, urge them to
create a circle of protection around funding for programs for hungry and poor
people.
Negotiations around reducing the federal deficit have intensified in recent
weeks. Congress is considering significant spending cuts to programs that are
vital for hungry and poor people.
Programs for low-income people did not cause the budget deficit, and cutting
them would harm low-income families without improving our country's fiscal
health. As people of faith, we have an obligation to help these families be
heard, to insist that programs serving the most vulnerable are protected.
Many members of Congress have said they will not vote to raise the debt ceiling
unless it is accompanied by significant spending cuts or controls. Raising the
debt ceiling simply allows the government to pay its existing obligations; it
does not authorize the government to spend more money. Provisions harmful to
hungry and poor people may be attached to the bill in order to win enough votes
for passage.
The next few days of negotiations are critical. Let's raise our voices and call
on Congress to act before August 2.
(1) Sponsored by Bread for the World.
(2) Find your Ohio House
of Representative member:
House passes GOP debt measure; Obama praises compromise plan
Opinion: Why a balanced-budget amendment is too risky.
Washington Post:
Ohio lawmakers key players in debt debate. Columbus
Dispatch:
BPP: Balanced Budget Amendment Would Require More Extreme Cuts Than Ryan Plan:
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: A Constitutional Balanced Budget
Amendment Threatens Great Economic Damage:
Hunger and the US Budget. Bread
for the World:
More Folly in the Debt Limit Talks. New York Times:
Editorial:
Cut, Cap, and
Balance Act/Pledge form:
Lest We Forget:
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