ACTION ALERT – FROM THE NCDA GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE
As you've probably heard, the change in Congressional leadership has posed new challenges (and new opportunities) for many funding programs, including those most important to NCDA members. In particular, $138 billion in cuts are being proposed to career development programs for FY2011 (the remainder of this fiscal year which ends Sept. 30th). In total, over 1.2 billion in cuts are proposed for programs that directly relate to NCDA’s core mission in the areas of workforce development, worker sustainability, education, and career guidance. To review the proposed cuts by program and agency, CLICK HERE.
In addition, the House leadership's proposed federal budget for FY2012 suggests eliminating the year-round approach to Pell Grants as well as to cut $850 from each $5500 grant. Clearly, these cuts would have a dramatic impact on those served by NCDA.
By way of background, these proposals are contained in two different pieces of legislation. The first (with cuts to career development programs) will establish the actual funding for the remainder of this fiscal year (through September 30th). The second (with the proposed cuts to the Pell Grant program) outlines a suggested blueprint for government spending in FY2012 (starting October 1st, 2011). In either case, members of Congress need to hear from you, their constituents, about how important these programs are to you and the people you represent. Our economic and educational future depends on your willingness to speak out!
Below is a proposed draft letter for you to send to your legislators. Please be sure to personalize your communication. To send the letter, go to www.congress.org, type in your zip code (and full address if needed), find your one House representatives and two Senators and click the "contact" tab.
You may need to register for a free account with www.congress.org to send the letter. If you prefer not to do so, you can use the site to identify your House representative and Senators, find their websites at www.house.gov and www.senate.gov and contact them through those pages. Please bear in mind that you will need to fill out a web form with your full address so that your legislators will know you're a constituent.
Finally, to reach your legislators right away, call the Senate switchboard at 202-224-3121 and the House switchboard at 202-225-3121 and ask to be connected to your Members’ offices. Once you've reached them, let the person answering the phone know how much you support these programs. You can use the following script as an example, but please personalize:
"I'd like to register my opposition to cuts to career development programs (as proposed in H.R. 1473) as well as cuts to the Pell Grant program (as proposed in H.Con.Res. 34). These programs are critical to achieving the twin goals of increasing America's competitiveness in the global marketplace, as well as our country's ongoing economic viability. I look forward to the Congressman / Senators response and would ask that you please take down my address. It is:[]"
Be sure to ask for a response and leave your address. This will ensure that your message becomes more than a "check" on a feedback form.
Timing is critical, so please reach out to your elected officials today.
Sincerely,
The NCDA Government Relations Committee
Contact: Thomas Stowell, Chair – E-mail @ tom@tomstowell.com
DRAFT LETTER FOR NCDA MEMBERS TO SEND TO CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
Dear Congressman/Senator________________,
As your constituent, I urge you to oppose any cuts to workforce development, career development programs, education, or the Pell Grant program. I understand that members of the U.S. House and Senate will be voting on proposed cuts this week. Please oppose H.R. 1473 and the manager's amendment to H.Con.Res. 34.
Not only do these programs ensure that citizens around the country have access to a wide variety of career options, they serve to increase America's competitiveness in the global marketplace. Our community's economic viability depends on our ability to prepare people for the quality jobs for which they are most suited.
Through our services, we help your constituents with the advice they need to make wise and appropriate career decisions. For example [insert personal story about the services you provide here]
Without the federal investment in career development services and programs, we would be unable to help our clients achieve those goals that lead them to become productive members of society. Please help us help your constituents fuel the economic engine of growth in our community by continuing to support these programs. Please oppose any cuts to career development programs, workforce programs, education, as well as Pell Grants in the FY2011 and FY2012 appropriations and budget discussions.
I look forward to your response. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
[Insert Your Name Here]