Mobilizer masthead


Dec. 15, 2011 | Vol. XVI  No. 17   
 

Looking Back, Giving Thanks,  

and Scheduling a Winter Recess Visit    


As 2011 closes, the HCH community can reflect on the year's accomplishments: the prevention of a Medicaid block grant, the partial reversal of a $1 billion cut to the health center program, modest growth in new HCH sites, and life-sustaining service provided to a million of the most vulnerable members of communities still struggling with long-term unemployment and continued foreclosures. Turbulent political conditions make these easy to overlook, but things could have been much worse without the efforts of Mobilizer readers and advocates nationwide. Our work, however, is not complete. Many decisions next year will impact the work we do and the people we serve; our voice must be stronger than ever. This is a time to consolidate, strategize, and build the relationships needed to continue striving for a future without homelessness.
   

Wrapping Up: The Budget

 

After a year of partisan drama, the House and Senate have finally agreed on the remaining FY2012 funding bills. The agreement level funds health centers and leaves intact health center expansion funding in the Affordable Care Act for a net increase of $200 million. Mobilizer readers should be commended for their efforts defending health centers and HCH projects. Final passage is likely, but partisan disputes over the payroll tax cut and other issues impede speedy action. Stay tuned for updates.  

Looking Ahead: A Bumpy Road

 

Next year promises to be fraught with drama as well - Mobilizer readers should plan to closely follow the following events and issues:

  • The Supreme Court decision on the Affordable Care Act, including Medicaid Expansion.
  • The 2012 presidential primaries and election.
  • Negotiations over FY2013 funding and continued concern over deficit reduction.
  • The automatic cuts caused by the Super Committee's failure to reach an agreement.
  • The expiration of the 'Bush tax cuts'.
Preparing for 2012:
Schedule a Site Visit During Recess
   

One of the most important things you can do is build relationships with your elected officials before there is a crisis. Congress will adjourn for winter break next week and Members will be back in their home districts for much of January. Call now and get on their schedule for a site visit.

  • Call the Capitol Switchboard at 1(877) 210-5351 to be transferred to either your Representative or Senators (reach out to all three!).
  • Once transferred, ask to speak to the scheduler and invite the Member to tour your facility or program.
  • Be prepared to speak briefly about the purpose of the tour, such as to demonstrate your model of care, a new program, or a particular issue you'd like to discuss.
  • If new to scheduling site visits, refer to Section Four of the Advokit for more details or contact Dan Rabbitt.
  • Call as soon as possible to get on the schedule!
  • As a backup plan, go to them if they can't come to you. Members have offices in many areas of their district so you may need to visit them in their office before they are able to visit you in yours.

These relationships will serve you well, especially when you need them to act on your behalf on critical issues next year. You may consider other ways to engage officials, their staff, and consumers throughout 2012, but do what works best for you and your project.

    

Happy Holidays!  

And Many Blessings for 2012.  

 

Support The National HCH Council's advocacy work! 
Donate here
 
     
Dan Rabbitt, Health Policy Organizer
National Health Care for the Homeless Council
[email protected] | 443-703-1337 | www.nhchc.org

council logo


HEALTH CARE AND HOUSING ARE HUMAN RIGHTS