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Two successful programs celebrate birthdays:
August recess is a critical time to contact legislators to give support for Medicaid and for Social Security.  Legislators will be moving through the state and district this month, visiting state fairs and other events.  Take advantage of these ... [READ MORE]

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Two successful programs celebrate birthdays:
August recess is a critical time to contact legislators to give support for Medicaid and for Social Security.  Legislators will be moving through the state and district this month, visiting state fairs and other events.  Take advantage of these times for potential one-on-one interactions.

Happy Birthday, Medicaid!!
Since 1965, Medicaid has successfully provided health coverage for people who are elderly, poor or with disabilities.   Currently, 53 million Americans benefit from Medicaid.  In honor of Medicaid's accomplishments, Families USA has produced an e-card for you to enjoy and pass on to everyone you know: http://www.familiesusa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Medicaid_Birthday_Flash_Ecard.

Medicaid faces up to $10 billion in possible cuts this September.  While Members of Congress are home during the August recess, please take time to meet with them in person, if possible, and let them know what you think about slashing funding this vital program upon which so many vulnerable Americans rely.  To raise awareness about the impending cuts, we have also prepared a sample Letter to the Editor for you to send to your local newspaper: http://capwiz.com/networklobby/issues/alert/?alertid=7573681&type=ME

Happy Birthday, Social Security!!
On August 14, Social Security celebrates 70 years of guaranteed benefits, keeping the elderly, those with disabilities and spouses and children of deceased workers from abject poverty.  For a list of celebration events in your state, go to http://www.americansforsocialsecurity.com/index.php?option=com_dcsevents&Itemid=164.

A tool kit with sample letters to the editor, letters to Congress and much more are available to help you celebrate and bring attention to Social Security at http://www.americansforsocialsecurity.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=96&Itemid=165.

This is in addition to the materials in the Issues section of the NETWORK website at http://www.networklobby.org/issues/ss_update.htm.

Proposed cuts to Medicaid and Social Security are just two of decisions congress will make as they work on budget reconciliation, potentially hurting hundreds of thousands of Americans with the greatest needs.  As you visit with legislators about Medicaid and Social Security, it is critical to address Nutrition programs, as well.