Action Alerts
July 20, 2010
URGENT ACTION ALERT!!!
FMAP Extension Needs Support of Conservative Democrats and Republicans!
California Delegation Needs to Hear From You!
It is very important that the California Congressional delegation, both Republicans and Democrats, get on board and support the 6-month extension of the enhanced FMAP (Federal Medical Assistance Percentage). The extension means $1.8 billion to California; $200 million to DDS alone!
Republicans were very much at the center of the dynamics that led to earlier defeat of measures to extend FMAP enhancements. They need to hear from you! But attached are a list of so-called “Blue Dog” Democrats who joined Republicans in opposition to the expansion primarily because of its overall cost. Normally a responsible position when considering all expenditures, many of these same members have strongly supported other “stimulus strategies” that have had at best mixed results.
Now is the time for these elected leaders to step forward and help California (and 30 other states!) balance their budgets devastated by this economic downturn. California Blue Dog Democrats that need to hear from their constituents include:
|
Washington DC Phone |
Washington DC FAX |
Joe Baca (D-43) |
(202) 225-6161 |
(202) 225-8671 |
Jim Costa (D-20) |
(202) 225-3341 |
(202) 225-9308 |
Jane Harman (D-36) |
(202) 225-8220 |
(202) 226-7290 |
Loretta Sanchez (D-47) |
(202) 225-2965 |
(202) 225-5859 |
Adam Schiff (D-47) |
(202) 225-4176 |
(202) 225-5828 |
Mike Thompson (D-1) |
(202) 225-3311 |
(202) 225-4335 |
These Congressional Representatives should also hear how important the FMAP extension would be to us:
|
Washington DC Phone |
Washington DC FAX |
Susan Davis (D-53) |
(202) 225-2040 |
(202) 225-2948 |
Anna Eshoo (D-14) |
(202) 225-8104 |
(202) 225-8890 |
Zoe Lofgren (D-16) |
(202) 225-3072 |
(202) 225-3336 |
Jerry McNerney (D-11) |
(202) 225-1947 |
(202) 226-0861 |
URGENT ACTION REQUEST!
Particularly if you are a constituent of one of these members, please pay special attention to writing letters, making phone calls and even meeting with district office staff. The fallout from a final decision NOT to fund FMAP could be dramatic!
If you are not a constituent, consider faxing the earlier letter you sent to your own member with perhaps a hand-written note across the top saying
“I know you do not represent my area, but I call on you to work together for California and pass this important FMAP extension”!
If you are unsure about who your Representative is, go to http://www.house.gov/zip/ZIP2Rep.html and type in your Zip Code! Very easy! Thanks for your efforts!
SAMPLE LETTER
DATE
The Honorable _________________
United States House of Representatives
Address (see below)
Washington, DC 20515
RE: RECONSIDER EXTENSION OF FMAP!
Dear Congress Member __________________,
I am (introduce yourself; executive director, manager, direct care staff, board member, business partner, supporter etc.) of (Name of agency) serving the communities of (list your communities!)
California’s severe budget crisis is bad enough. But the failure of Congress to approve a 6-month extension of enhanced federal funding for Medicaid programs, many of which are mandated by Congress, has simply made the problem far worse.
The overall loss to California alone is nearly $2 billion! For people with developmental disabilities (mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and similar conditions) the loss in the specific programs funded by our Department of Developmental Services is $200 million!
If you and your colleagues do not reverse this failure to act and get these vital dollars into California, you will be subjecting the people we seek to serve; the vulnerable people you should very much care most about supporting, to unsustainable funding cuts and loss of critical services and supports.
I have watched Congress appropriate hundreds of billions of dollars in recent months for things you have said are your priorities. In some cases, I question both the priority and the effectiveness of the effort.
But I simply cannot understand, nor do I accept, the failure of Congress to make funding for some of our State’s most vulnerable citizens a top priority.
I urge you in the strongest possible terms to take immediate action and reverse this failure to fund FMAP. I am watching very closely and believe that the decision you make and the leadership you show can be one of the deciding factors in avoiding yet another human tragedy in California.
Please do all within your power to approve full funding of an extension of the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP).
Sincerely,
Signature
Title