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Dear Dana ,
Tuesday April 26, 2005
STRIKE MEDICAID CUTS FROM HOUSE
BUDGET
URGENT ACTION - CALL YOUR HOUSE MEMBER TODAY At
800-828-0498
ACTION IS CRITICAL
TODAY
Later this afternoon, probably around 6:30 p.m. EDT
today, Tuesday, April 26, members of the House of Representatives
will vote on a "Motion to Instruct" Budget Resolution Conferees to
agree with the Senate Budget Resolution. The motion will call
for striking cuts to Medicaid in the Budget Resolution and
establishing a bipartisan Commission to study Medicaid reform, and
will be offered by House Democrats.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
- Call Your Representative NOW:
Use this toll-free number. If its busy--just keep trying!
Here is the number: 1-800-828-0498.
This number will connect you to the Capitol
switchboard. Ask for your Representative's office. Urge your
co-workers, family and friends to call their members as well.
The Message:
Tell your member of the House of Representatives
that:
(1) I am your constituent and a supporter of
the Medicaid program;
(2) Please vote for the Motion to Instruct
Budget Resolution Conferees to agree with the Senate and strike cuts
to Medicaid; and
(3) People with disabilities depend on
Medicaid. Please do not take it away.
It is critical that you keep calling. Your
voice needs to be heard on this issueâdon't give up.
BACKGROUND:
The House Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 budget resolution
requires approximately $20 billion in cuts to Medicaid over 5
years. The Senate passed an amendment to strike $15 billion in
Medicaid cuts over 5 years and establish a bi-partisan Commission to
study Medicaid reform. The leadership of the House and Senate
Budget Committees, the Bush Administration and moderate Republican
Senators have been negotiating on a Budget Resolution conference
agreement that can pass in both chambers.
Latest reports are that this final budget resolution
conference agreement will include approximately $10 billion in cuts
to Medicaid over 5 years. Given the Medicaid budget deficits
all states are facing, a cut of this magnitude could lead to
reductions in eligibility, benefits and provider payments â all of
which will be devastating to people with disabilities, their
families and providers.
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