A year ago in June, my boys and I went to Washington to join other Colorado Bread for the World members Coloradoans to lobby congress to reaffirm the goal of ending hunger in the United States. Our goals were to get a report on progress made towards these goals, and continue to adequately fund food stamps and other national nutrition programs. Additionally, there was a grant component that would increase federal funding available to community-based anti-hunger organizations.
I'm happy to say that even though it took 2 years, late last week the Hunger Free Communities Act passed in the Senate. We are proud of our Colorado co-sponsors Senator Ken Salzar (Alex gave him a "hunger plate") and Representatives Diana Degette and John Salazar. How wonderful. I would encourage you to write these folks and thank them for their support. If you feel like it- write the other ones that didn't co-sponsor and encourage them to support other hunger work.
Our leaders have gone on holiday recess, without completing the majority of the spending bills for FY 2007, including poverty-focused development assistance. They will take up this business when they reconvene in January...So plan to contact those members after the first of the year.
The 110th Congress will take up the matter when it convenes in January. Now is the time to lay the groundwork--especially with newly elected members. Your congregation can take action by writing letters and participating in the offering of letters. Writing members of congress urging them to fully fund the poverty development assistance ($2 billion was requested by the President).
Keep writing and celebrating successes!
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