Economic Recovery Update: Hold the line on cuts!

by Jason Rosenbaum :: Filed Under U.S. Domestic Issues :: February 5th, 2009 @ 3:38 pm EST

Greg Sargent is reporting on an estimated $90 billion in cuts from the President’s economic recovery package that are on the chopping block. The cuts are mostly to state fiscal aid:

A spokesperson for Nelson acknowledged to me that the cuts were indeed being considered, but argued that they were necessary to win GOP support. “Senator Nelson feels like this has to be passed, and they’re working to make sure this is a bill that’s truly stimulative,” said the spokesperson, Clay Westrope. “He needs as much support as he can get for the vote.” Westrope cautioned that the cuts were subject to change.

Among the cuts being eyed:

$100,000,000 from a program subsidizing agriculture producers for high feed input losses

$150,000,000 from the Violence Against Women Act

$25,000,000 from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task forces

$610,000,000 from Disability Research

$1,050,000,000 from Head Start

$13,869,000,000 from Pell Grants

Take a moment to call your Senators. Ask them to hold the line on these provisions, which are needed to keep vital state programs like Head Start, not to mention COBRA, Medicaid, and Medicare operational. These programs directly benefit those with low incomes or those families who’ve recently lost their jobs. It’s economic recovery that goes straight to the people, and it’s money that should be approved.

Once you’ve done that, take a moment to write your Senators a letter as well. Health Care for America Now will be hand-delivering your letters directly to your Senators on Capitol Hill today and tomorrow to make sure your voice is heard.

The more your Senators here in support of this bill, and the more they hear from you not to cut anything further, the more likely it is we’ll get a more progressive package to the President’s desk.

(also posted at the NOW! blog)