Silence is Deadly!
Don't Abandon Health Centers and Medicaid to
Knife-Wielding Politicians
The Washington summer is heating up and deficit reduction negotiations between Congress and the White House are intensifying as the August 2nd deadline for raising the debt ceiling approaches. These negotiations could result in drastic cuts to social programs, so advocacy is needed now to protect essential programs. Contact your Congressional representatives and the White House today to voice your concern!
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Background
The debt ceiling debate is often misunderstood, even by avid Mobilizer readers. To put it simply, the debt ceiling must be raised so the U.S. can continue to make payments on its existing debts (it is not about taking on new obligations). Without Congressional action to raise the debt ceiling, the U.S. will default, causing catastrophic damage to the economy. The congressionally established debt limit has been used to create great political momentum for massive cuts in federal spending (at least $2 trillion over ten years), and programs like health centers and Medicaid that serve the poor are seen as easy targets. Policymakers in Washington need to hear from us about the importance of these programs--remaining silent only conveys the impression no one cares.
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Timing
August 2nd is the deadline for raising the debt ceiling. A bipartisan group from both Houses of Congress has been meeting for weeks to negotiate a deal to increase the debt ceiling in exchange for a deficit reduction plan. President Obama and House Speaker Boehner have recently joined the negotiations and indicated willingness to reduce federal support for the Medicaid program. The final agreement is likely to establish spending limits for years to come and must be determined in the next week or two to meet the August 2nd deadline. NOW is the time to speak up for health centers, Medicaid, and other safety net programs.
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TAKE ACTION
- Find your Congressional Representative at two Senators at 1(877) 210-5351 or at www.house.gov and www.senate.gov and contact their offices
- Contact the White House at (202) 456-1111
- Tell them to protect low-income programs such as health centers and Medicaid because they support the health care needs of working and disabled individuals and families, and support jobs in our communities. The National HCH Council has developed health center talking points and Medicaid talking points to use during your calls.
- If they are supportive, ask them to speak to their leadership and other members about these issues, and take a more public stance on the issue.
- These calls are not typically long conversations: Four phone calls should only take ten minutes-long enough to register your "vote" for health centers and Medicaid!
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