TO: NDSC Members and Affiliated Parent Groups
FROM: Susan Goodman, Director, Governmental Affairs
DATE: May 9, 2006

Keep Your Calls Coming - Social Programs Still in Jeopardy

Call your Representative toll-free at 800-459-1887, and say:
"Please oppose a budget deal that forces cuts in health care, education and other services for people with disabilities."

Budget Battle Continues
Several Republican members of the House of Representatives have resisted approving a budget resolution that would cut services for people with disabilities. However, these officials are under tremendous pressure to drop their opposition and commit to a "yes" vote.

Your Calls Are Already Having an Effect
Reports indicate that House leaders might propose additional funding for the budget resolution. Unfortunately, the amount being proposed by the House leaders still falls below the amount needed for domestic programs.

Representative Mike Castle (R - DE) has called for at least $7.2 billion to be added to the Labor-Health & Human Services-Education budget for programs to avoid cuts and keep up with inflation. As of this reporting, Representative Castle remains opposed to the House leadership's budget numbers. However, other Representatives need to be reminded to stand firm against a budget that would hurt people with disabilities.

Advocacy Efforts Must Continue
We have repeatedly asked for your calls and they have worked so far. But advocacy efforts need to be ongoing as the situation continually changes and other forces influence your representatives in Congress. We must keep the pressure on for the sake of people with Down syndrome and other disabilities.