NAEYC Children’s Champions
June 14, 2010

Call Your Senators Today and Tomorrow Morning to Help Stabilize Jobs and Child Health

Capitol Switchboard is 202-224-3121

Please call your Senators and urge them to support HR 4213, the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010, which includes federal funding to states for Medicaid, TANF, and Unemployment Insurance.  Struggling families need these supports, and states need this federal assistance in order to prevent further budget cuts to children’s services.

What is in the bill:
The Senate is debating HR 4213, the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010, which would help states avert a worse fiscal situation, and may vote on cloture as early as Tuesday.  The bill includes federal funding to states for Medicaid (known as FMAP), freeing state funds for other priorities and preventing cuts.  Many states have assumed these funds in their budgets, so if Congress doesn’t act, these states will be forced to make cuts in other programs, including programs serving children and families.  The bill would also extend vital supports for low-income families and unemployed workers, including the TANF Emergency Fund and Unemployment Insurance. 

Why this is important for children and families:
The programs included in this bill provide vital support to families who are struggling in these difficult economic times.  In addition, states have already assumed receipt of many of these funds in their state budgets.  Failing to pass this bill would lead to further state budget cuts which could include child care, state pre-K, education, and others that support early childhood education and provide assistance to low-income children and families.

 
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