Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Lets Make Sure the Violence Against Women Act is fully funded

Sorry for the absence, I've been in Nicaragua for the past couple of weeks.....

This is an important action. This week, the Senate Appropriations Committee is beginning its work on the budget. Given the state of the economy, it's important that we make sure that the programs funded by The Violence Against Women Act, such as women's shelters like Pretty Bird Woman House, don't undergo funding cuts.

Here's a message from the National Network to End Domestic Violence:
Ask your Senators to Support Full Funding for VAWA in the CJS Budget!
Senate Subcommittee to Vote on VAWA CJS Spending Measure.

Background
Tuesday, June 23, 2009. The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science (CJS) will begin work on its FY 2010 budget, which includes funding for Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) programs.

Last week the House passed their version of the FY 2010 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill (HR 2847), which, thanks to your efforts included an increase of $17.5 million over the FY 2009 budget and the President's FY 2010 budget proposal for VAWA CJS programs.

Today we need you to call the members of the Senate CJS Subcommittee and ask them to fully fund VAWA programs at $683 million and raise the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Cap to $705 million.

Take Action Now!

Call the members of the Senate CJS Subcommittee and ask them to fully fund VAWA programs at $683 million and raise the VOCA Cap to $705 million.

Click here to see if either of your Senators sits on the CJS Subcommittee.

Never called your Senator before? Don't worry, it's easy!

Call 1-866-305-9428 toll free to be connected to the Capitol Switchboard. Tell them the name of your Senator and they will connect you to their office. Your call will be answered by a receptionist. Tell him or her:
"Hello, my name is ____ and I am a constituent, from [include your state and town or zip]."

"I urge Senator [last name] to fully fund the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) programs at $683 million and raise the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) cap to $705 million. VAWA programs have helped to make our country a safer place for families, victims and communities. By fully funding these vital, cost-effective programs, Congress will help to break the cycle of domestic and sexual violence in our country.
"Thank you."

Outlook and Next Steps

After the CJS subcommittee passes its budget, the full Appropriations Committee is scheduled to vote on the CJS budget on Thursday, June 25th before the full Senate votes on the final CJS budget. Please stay tuned for updates.

Please Forward This Email

Send this email to your friends, family and colleagues and encourage them to call. Our strength is in our numbers and your calls make a difference! For more information please contact Tralonne Shorter at tshorter@nnedv.org or 202.543.5566


Go HERE for a briefing book on the Violence Against Women Act.

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