Take Action: Urge Congress to Pass a Budget that Works for Women

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Urge Congress to Pass a Budget that Works for Women

The federal budget has a substantial impact on the lives of women in this country. In 2006, there were 36.5 million people living in poverty: 21 million of them were women. Women are 45 percent more likely to be poor than men and they make up 70 percent of the elderly poor population. Three-quarters of the adult Medicaid population and more than half of the Medicare population are women. Further, more than 17 million women are uninsured. In 2000, 84 percent of the households receiving Section 8 housing certificates and vouchers were headed by women. In fiscal year 2006, more than 8 million women, infants and children relied on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) every month.

Just as women make up a disproportionate number of those living in poverty, they also represent the largest population of recipients of many of the human needs programs that take aim at poverty. As Congress puts together their fiscal year 2009 budget resolution, the decisions they make will have a real impact on the millions of low-income women across the country.

Subject:

Dear [Decision maker's name automatically inserted here],

(Edit Letter Below)

I urge you to support a federal budget that takes seriously the critical needs of women and their families.

In 2006, there were 36.5 million people living in poverty: 21 million of them were women. Because women make up a disproportionate number of those living in poverty, they are also more likely to rely on the human needs programs that take aim at poverty. As such, women have a lot to gain -- and lose -- as Congress debates the federal budget for fiscal year 2009. Critical human needs programs like the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provide vital services to low-income women and their families. But, without adequate funding, these programs cannot reach all those who need them.

At a time when our economy is struggling and working families are feeling the very real affects of an economic downturn, we must not neglect the social safety-net that was created to protect them. As you consider the fiscal year 2009 budget resolution, I urge you to support the highest possible domestic discretionary number.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]


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