–While this posting originated as an e-mail from the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault, it applies to EVERYONE!! Read the entire posting please. You’ll see what you can do right now (Today):
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives will begin consideration, with votes throughout the week, of funding for VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) programs under the jurisdiction of the FY2010 Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) spending budget. We are incredibly proud that one of Wisconsin’s own, Rep. Gwen Moore, will be leading the effort to increase federal funding for Civil Legal Assistance for Victims.
WCADV has been working with Rep. Moore to include the voices of Wisconsin survivors in the discussion, as Rep. Moore makes the case for providing more victims with civil legal assistance. Thanks to the brave survivors who have offered to share their stories with Rep. Moore and be spokeswomen for VAWA funding!
Now we all can join survivors around the country in fighting for increased funding. Please call your House Member and ask him or her to support the following amendments:
Moore/Poe Amendment: This amendment would increase funding for Civil Legal Assistance for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking by $4 million (from $37 million to $41 million).
Reichert Amendment: This amendment would provide funding for the 1st time the STEP program at $5 million. The STEP program provides prevention and early intervention services for middle school and high school students regarding domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.
Gresham Amendment: This amendment would ban earmarks from raiding the Grants to Combat Violence Against Women account, thereby safeguarding funding for the essential STOP grants and Transitional Housing program.
Never called a Member of Congress before? Don’t worry, it’s easy!
Call 1-866-305-9428 toll free to be connected to the Capitol Switchboard. Tell them the name of your Representative and they will connect you to their office. Your call will be answered by a receptionist. Tell him or her:
“Hello, my name is ____ and I am a constituent, from [include your state and town or zip].”
“I urge Representative [last name] to vote YES on the Moore/Poe Amendment, Reichert Amendment, and Barrett Amendment.
These Amendments will provide increased funding to help meet the dire need for victim services nationwide.
“Thank you.”
Outlook and Next Steps
We expect that the House to vote on amendments throughout the week and finalize their work on the CJS spending measure by Thursday, June 18th. Once the House completes work on the CJS bill, the Senate will begin consideration of their version as early as next week. Stay tuned for updates.