December 18, 2009
TAKE ACTION AND JOIN US FOR HUNGER ACTION DAY 2010
The 2010 Washington State legislative session begins January 11! In these challenging economic times, the State Legislature is faced with a deficit of $2.6 billion and must make difficult decisions in order to balance the budget. Unfortunately, the Governor’s proposed budget makes cuts to many programs that support low income people. These cuts to vital services combined with the difficult economic climate will result in even longer lines at food banks and meal programs across the state. Therefore, we must urge our State lawmakers to protect these hunger relief programs when they are needed most.
Food Lifeline’s 2010 Legislative Agenda
Food Lifeline is urging the legislature to do the following:
- In these tough economic times, one in nine Washington families is struggling to put food on the table. Protect current funding for Washington’s front-line hunger-relief programs when they are needed most.
- Preserve Washington’s support for food banks and the tribal food program through the Emergency Food Assistance Program as it moves into a new state department.
- Feed hungry children in Washington all year long through grants to the Summer Meal Program.
- Support prompt and accurate access to the Basic Food Program.
- Authorize increased funding options and flexibility for Counties to fund human services.
- Take a balanced approach to addressing the economic recession by including new revenue options.
For more details, here is the full 2010 Legislative Agenda.
What’s the Next Step?
There are a variety of different ways that you can reach your lawmakers during the legislative session:
- Join us for Hunger Action Day on January 29, 2010! We will meet in Olympia in the Columbia Room on campus at 10:00 am for an informative and inspirational training session, and then spend the afternoon meeting with your legislators. We will schedule the appointments and can help coordinate carpools; you just need to register online. More details are available on the website.
- Call the legislative hotline: 1-800-562-6000. It’s the easy way to send a message to all three of the state lawmakers that represent you and the Governor- and you don’t even have to know your district! Call and tell your lawmakers to “Please protect funding for hunger relief programs when they are needed most.”
- Share this information with your friends, family, and coworkers! Bring them to Hunger Action Day, and encourage them to be involved.
Now is the time to take action. Your voice is needed now more than ever.
Questions about Hunger Action Day? Contact Maria Roselle via email or by calling 206-432-3625