Time to Invest in America

The U.S. House will soon vote on a spending bill that provides federal funding for so many services necessary to America's families.

The Labor-Health and Human Services-Education spending bill helps fund child care for low-income workers, job training for those who lose their jobs, veteran's health, Head Start and more. Despite modest increases in spending levels, President Bush is threatening to veto this important bill. Though spending nearly one-half trillion on the war in Iraq, President Bush is unwilling to spend just 1.4 percent more for these vital services here in our country, and is threatening a veto.

Contact your representatives in Congress—tell them to stand up the Bush and invest in America.

Note: edit the letter below as you wish, fill out the form to the right, and click "send."

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: It's time to Invest in America.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

President Bush has spent hundreds of billions on his war in Iraq but doesn't want to invest a mere 1.4 percent more in vital domestic programs such as veterans' health, Head Start, job training for those who lose their jobs. It's time to invest in America.

Please vote yes on the Labor-Health and Human Services-Education spending bill.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
October 22, 2007


Background Information

Support LHHS Appropriations Bill, Reject the President’s Budget

 Senate LHHS Appropriations Bill

President Bush's Bill

 Invests an additional $7.3 billion over last year in important health, education and worker protection programs as part of a responsible balanced budget plan. Cuts $3.5 billion from LHHS programs that help the most disadvantaged Americans, while spending more than $10 billion monthly in Iraq.
Strengthens aid for poor kids and families by providing $2.4 billion for key programs (SSBG and CSBG). Retreats in the war against poverty by requesting a 50 percent cut in the SSBG and CSBG programs.
Provides hope for medical cures by adding $1 billion for the NIH. Closes doors on promising research by cutting the NIH by $279 million.
Backs our promise to students with disabilities by adding $450 million for IDEA state grants. Disregards our commitment to disabled children by slashing $291 million from special education.
Expands Head Start services with an increase of $200 million.  Reduces Head Start by $100 million, cutting 30,000 slots for children.
Improves health care access by increasing the community health centers program by $250 million. Neglects the uninsured and people with limited health care access by proposing no increase for CHCs.
Reduces excessive delays for people applying for Social Security benefits. Forces more older and disabled Americans to wait longer for their Social Security benefits.
Makes college more affordable for millions of students by supporting a maximum Pell award of $4,800. Provides a maximum Pell Grant of just $4,540, falling short of amount needed to offset higher tuition.
Maintains funding for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.Maintains funding for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Cuts LIHEAP by $379 million, despite record-high energy prices.
 Enhances U.S. competitiveness with a $4.8 billion investment in job training, and career and technical education programs. Undermines U.S. competitiveness with a $1 billion cut in job training and 50 percent reduction in career and technical education programs.