The President and Congress are negotiating the “Fiscal Cliff” – and their decisions will impact funding for child care, Head Start, schools, early intervention services, WIC, Medicaid, and many other critical programs for children, families, and early childhood education for many years to come.  

A fair budget and a reduced deficit are important, but those goals should be met without making dramatic cuts to the programs that support low- and moderate- income children and families.

*Please personalize these messages so that your voice can be heard!

• How to make the call: Dial 1-888-743-1097 to reach the Capitol Switchboard. Tell the operator the name of your Senator. Click here to find your two Senators (you only need your zip code).

• Sample message for your toll-free call:

My name is (name) and I am calling from (city, state). I am (a teacher, director, family services coordinator, for example — your professional role).

As you negotiate the Fiscal Cliff and other budget and tax decisions, it would be wrong to cut vital programs for vulnerable children and their families — such as child care, Head Start, education, Medicaid, and child nutrition programs.  We should reduce the federal deficit and build up our economy without harming low and moderate income children and families. These programs not only help families and children, they help build a stronger nation and economy. We need to raise revenue by asking the wealthiest, who gained significant tax breaks over the last decade, to pay their fair share so we can fairly reduce the deficit and invest in early childhood development and education, nutrition, jobs and other vital supports.    

We are counting on you here in (state). Thank you.

• After your first call: Dial the Capitol Switchboard again to reach your other Senator.

If you cannot make the call, email your Senators here. Go to our new Fiscal Cliff - Take Action page to view more sample messages and to see how you can use our website to email them.

Your call can make a difference!