Press Release Speak Out Against the Syringe Funding Ban!May 12, 2009 Dear CHAMPsters, This is a critical time for all of us to be speaking out to lift the ban on federal funding for syringe exchange. Last week President Obama released his Fiscal Year 2010 budget request. This budget still includes the language that bans the use of federal funding for syringe exchange programs. This means your calls and letters are more critical than ever, and we still can lift the ban this year! In the next couple of weeks, the 2010 Labor, Health and Education Appropriations Bill will be written. This is where the actual federal ban language currently exists. We have shown support for lifting the ban in this bill by getting co-sponsors onto HR 179, the Community AIDS & Hepatitis Act. And we've gotten promises on votes from those who have not signed on but would support removing the ban in the Appropriations process. Our response now is critical! Congress needs to hear from us that:
Step 1: Call your Representative. Call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121 and ask to speak to your Representative. When calling the switchboard, you may give your zip code if you do not know the names of your members of Congress. When someone answers the phone, tell them:
You can also send a letter to your Representative here. (To see list of cosponsors, click here.) If your Representative is a co-sponsor, thank them for their support of HR 179! Step 2: Call for the Labor, Health and Education Appropriations Bill. Call Rep. David Obey (WI) 202-225-3365, Chair of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies.
Talking Points:
After you make your calls, please forward this to everyone who is ready to see the 20-year ban lifted! ![]()
Add Your Comment:
(Please note: Your name and comment will be public, and may even show up in
Internet search results. Be careful when providing personal information! Before adding your comment, please read TheBody.com's Comment Policy.) |