NETWORK's Legislative Update
111th Congress, 2nd Session
February 1, 2010
1. Benefits for Millions of Unemployed Workers are at Stake
The Senate needs to act very soon
2. Healthcare Reform
We’re not giving up
3. Immigration Reform
We need to build some momentum
Reflection
1.Benefits for Millions of Unemployed Workers are at Stake
Emergency unemployment benefits will expire on February 28, 2010 unless Congress acts now to extend Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC). EUC includes full federal funding of Extended Benefits, $25 per week in Federal Additional Compensation, and the 65% 15-month COBRA subsidy through the end of 2010.
We commend Senator Casey and the 32 other Democratic Senators who signed a letter to the Senate Democratic Leadership calling on them to extend unemployment benefits. (see letter here: [attachment]
Right now, long-term unemployment is hurting many in our country. The average duration of unemployment is now 21.9 weeks and almost 40% of all unemployed (that’s 6.1 million people) have been out of work for 6 months or longer. These unemployed workers are in desperate need of extended benefits and need the federal extension now more than ever.
It is important that senators continue to push for the extension of Emergency Unemployment Compensation before the end of February. Please urge your senators to extend EUC, and urge them to do it soon. Even senators who signed Senator Casey’s letter need to be urged to act soon. You can call your senators’ offices via the Capitol switchboard 202-224-3121 and you can send them an e-mail via http://capwiz.com/networklobby/issues/alert/?alertid=14585106&type=CO
2.Healthcare Reform
NETWORK, along with many other faith groups, is asking Congress to complete the job on healthcare reform legislation that all of us have worked so hard for.
You can see NETWORK’s letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi here: http://www.networklobby.org/issues/2009%20Issue%20Agenda/LetterSpeakerPelosi1-29-10.pdf
Please join us in continuing to call on members of Congress to show political courage, vision, leadership and faith – get healthcare reform legislation passed without further delay. Even if we are satisfied with our own healthcare, we must not neglect the millions of our sisters and brothers who are unable to get the healthcare they need.
You can call the offices of your representative and senators via the Capitol switchboard at 202-225-3121 and also send them an e-mail via http://capwiz.com/networklobby/issues/alert/?alertid=14585151&type=ML
(a copy will go to the President and the Secretary of Health and Human Services.)
3.Immigration Reform
Without a significant push from constituents, Congress will let the opportunity to reform our nation’s immigration system slip away. Help us build momentum by contacting your senators and participating in both local and national upcoming events:
Today at 4pm EST join us on the National Faith and Immigration Conference call for developments about impending legislation in the Senate, discussion on February Prayer Vigils, and exciting news regarding the March 21 Witness in Washington DC, Breaking Bread with America’s Families. (Call in #: 800-920-7487 Conf. ID: 76723736)
Next Week: Catholic, Jewish, Protestant and Evangelical faith leaders will join together to deliver JFI and IIC postcards at 11:00 am on February 10th in Rayburn B-318. It’s not too late to send in hard copy postcards, or sign them online.
Next Month: Worship, study, dialogue, and lobby with hundreds of people of faith March 19-22, during Ecumenical Advocacy Days 2010: A Place to Call Home: Immigrants, Refugees, and Displaced Peoples (EAD). Stand with thousands of fellow people of faith for the Breaking Bread with America’s Families gathering and rally on the West Lawn of the Capitol March 21st (note the date change).
If you are not able to travel to Washington, strengthen the power of our witness by raising your voice at home. Plan a prayer vigil, postcard delivery event, or in-district meeting (the February 13-21 congressional recess would be a good time.) Contact Meghan Tighe (mtighe@networklobby.org) for an organizing guide, sample media advisories, and additional support.
Action Using the Legislative Action Center in the past week
3367 messages on Healthcare
162 messages on aid for the unemployed
170 messages on supporting the TRADE Act
Reflection of the week
“We know that no comprehensive health care reform bill will be perfect. (Indeed, if any piece of legislation ever fulfills our full vision, our vision is far too small.) However, we also know – as providers and consumers of services and care – that inaction at this critical moment is no way forward.”
-- From the January 22, 2010 letter sent to members of Congress from the Washington Interfaith Staff Community (signed by NETWORK and many other faith organizations)
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Helpful Information
To contact Congressional offices by phone, call the Capitol
Hill Switchboard number at 202-224-3121. The White House Comment
line is 202-456-1414 and the Vice President's office is 202-456-2326.
More contact and e-mail information for the President and Vice
President is available through our Legislative
Action Center.
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