Call Against Budget Cuts TUESDAY

Hey kids, tomorrow would be a REALLY good time to make a few phone calls. Says CPPP:

One month ago, as part of a national effort, we asked you to urge your senators and congressional representative not to cut federal spending on critical health and human services such as Medicaid and Food Stamps. Because of your efforts, Congress delayed taking action, but congressional committees are again moving ahead with plans to mark up cuts during the week of October 17, with the Budget Committees slated to package the cuts around October 26, and Congress to consider bills making the cuts shortly thereafter.

Leadership in both chambers is now pushing to make even deeper cuts than the originally proposed $35 billion. For example, the Finance Committee is apparently considering cuts of as much as $12 to billion in Medicaid, even though the original target was $10 billion.

Make three calls, one to each senator and one to your representative. When their office answers the phone, say something like: "My name is [name] and I live in [your town/city]. I would like [name] to oppose $35 billion in cuts to Medicaid, Food Stamps, and other vital services, and to oppose $70 billion in more tax cuts. We need help for low-income Texans, not more tax cuts for those with plenty."

For those of you who live near me:

• Senator Kay Hutchison, Phone: 202-224-5922
• Senator John Cornyn, Phone: 202-224-2934
• Congressman Michael McCaul, Phone: 202-225-2401

If you live elsewhere, look up your national reps at Project Vote Smart. Look on the left side. If you don't know your 9-digit zip, they have a handy link to the U.S. Postal Service website so you can look that up.

I promise, calls to these offices are really easy. No one is going to attack you, argue with you, or raise your blood pressure in any way.

And here's a thought: put the reps' numbers in your cell phone. That way, you won't have to look it up next time.