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A note from the United Way Worldwide
Public Policy Team:
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Greetings! Here are the latest policy developments impacting our education, income, health and non-profit sector priorities. You have taken action on United Way issues in the past and we hope this newsletter will provide you with further opportunities stay informed, take action and advance the common good.
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 The Latest from Washington | 
Brace yourself. It's coming and it's not going to be pretty. And it's the most important thing Washington is talking about: Taxmaggedon and the Lame Duck.
A perfect storm of events is culminating at the end of the year and anxiety is spreading inside the Beltway as Congress, businesses and advocates understand all that must be dealt with to prevent the economy from falling off a fiscal cliff on January 1, 2013. (See the recent Washington Post article, "Taxmageddon Sparks Rising Anxiety").
What will happen during Lame Duck will impact ALL of our priorities around education, income and health. Keep reading to learn more and what you can do.
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| EDUCATION: New Opportunities and Teacher Appreciation
 | | Twitter Hashtag: #ThankaTeacher |
Despite the heated debates in Washington over the budget, there are several new opportunities to better ensure coordination and delivery of high-quality services and programs for low-income children and youth. View a summary of what's happening in Washington, DC around education issues. In addition, the week of May 7th was Teacher Appreciation Week. Hundreds joined a national conversation at summits, congressional briefings and online about the importance of teachers and showed support for the profession. If you are a current or former teacher, THANK YOU! |
| INCOME: EFSP Victory in the Senate! Urge Support of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program at $150 million in Senate and House negotiations.
 Since 1983, billions of federal dollars have been distributed to local communities through the Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP) which helps stabilize families by providing emergency food, shelter and utility and rent assistance during times of crisis. This morning the Senate Appropriations Committee approved funding for EFSP at $150 million, a 25% increase over last year. In the course of the meeting there was an argument to roll-back the increase: Senator Coats (R-IN) proposed to use food and shelter funds to give more money to TSA. Ultimately his amendment was voted down and the increased EFSP funding was preserved. Thank you to the hundreds of advocates who spoke up for EFSP the past few days. You are part of this victory! In the other Chamber, the House proposed $120 million for the program, flat over last year and $20 million more than President Obama's proposal. Because the Senate and House differ in their proposed funding of EFSP, and EFSP has been voiced as a potential offset, continued advocacy is needed. Please take action today! |
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| HEALTH: House Proposal Threatens Medicaid and Prevention & Public Health Fund
One of United Way's goals is that everyone have
 access to health care. Unfortunately some recent legislation passed through the House would have a serious impact on access, prevention and enrollment for children and families. While the bill is dead on arrival in the Senate, the bill includes a number of provisions we oppose such as:
- Repealing grants to states working towards creating Health Benefits Exchanges
- Eliminating the Prevention and Public Health Fund
- Repealing the expansion of Medicaid and reducing payments to states and territories
- Repealing the "maintenance of effort" provision of the Affordable Care Act that requires states to maintain eligibility levels for Medicaid and CHIP
We are concerned that these provisions will remain in the mix of options as Congress debates deficit reduction. We will continue to monitor these issues and alert you to take action as needed. In the meantime, voice your support for preventative health funding today. |
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| Prevent Hunger and Homelessness in your Community |
Take two minutes to advocate for funds that benefit the whole community.
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United Way Advocacy Forum & Hill Day
Who: United Way Professionals, Partners and Board Members What: An opportunity to grow your advocacy capacity and advance education, income and health goals on the Hill When: July 17 - 19 Where: Washington DC Why: Because your voice matters and together we can make an impact Learn More & Register Today |
Local and State United Ways:
Have you signed the Sequestration letter? | We need your help asking Congress that they mitigate cuts to programs that build and maintain the foundation of our society.
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Advocacy Letters to Congress or the President, signed by United Way
| - Workforce Investment Act letter to Congress with the Campaign for Youth
- Prevention and Public Health Fund letter from Brian Gallagher, President of UWW to President Obama
- In support of Education, Health & Human Service Appropriations for FY2013 - Urging Congress to fully fund nutrition programs in FY2013 Appropriations
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Upcoming Webinars
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Promise Neighborhoods Funding - Planning Grant
Wednesday, May 23
3:00-5:00pm (EDT)
Hosted by PolicyLINK
Register
For United Way Staff: Race to the Top Funding - Overview of the Next Round of Funding
Thursday, May 24
2:00-3:00 pm (EDT)
Register
Promise Neighborhoods Funding - Implementation Grant
Friday, May 25
12:00-2:00pm (EDT)
Hosted by PolicyLINK
Register
Keeping a Focus on Children in Health Care Reform
Wednesday, May 30
1:30-3:00 pm (EDT)
Hosted by the Nat. Academy for State Health Policy
Register
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