April Recess: Money Talks
Congress is scheduled for a District Work Period or “Recess,” from April 10–21. This time is allotted for Members of Congress to engage with constituents back home in the states or districts they represent. It is also the perfect time for them to hold public town halls and listen to the concerns of their constituents in person. Are your Senators and Representatives holding town hall events? If not, demand that they do.
Make the Call: DEMAND TOWN HALLS DURING THE APRIL RECESS
*Can’t attend a town hall? No worries! Offices in DC remain open during Recess to take phone calls, so you can continue to make your voice heard!
The April Recess Agenda — Taxes and the Budget
While the primary focus of the February Recess was healthcare, during the April Recess… all eyes will be on money.
April 18th is Tax Day, with Tax Day Marches scheduled across the country on Saturday, April 15th, pressuring Trump to release his elusive tax returns. If you are attending a march, a great way supplement your demand is to support the Presidential Tax Transparency Act.
Make the Call: SUPPORT THE ‘PRESIDENTIAL TAX TRANSPARENCY ACT’
Immediately after Recess, Congress will only have 4 days (!!!) to agree on and pass a federal budget for the remainder of the 2017 FY (Fiscal Year), or else face a government shutdown at midnight on April 28th.
Along with his 2018 FY budget, Trump submitted budget requests for the 2017 FY that he expects Congress to include — An extra $30 billion for the Defense Department (more missile strikes), $3 billion for DHS border control (more deportations), and initial spending for ‘The Wall’ (come on, man). His budget cuts? $18 billion in various non-defense spending such as science programs and Planned Parenthood, the later of which is being specifically targeted by the House Freedom Caucus.
Because of this looming April 28th federal budget deadline, 5 Calls will be focusing calls on protecting the necessary government programs at risk of cuts, listed here for ease (and regularly updated):
Make the Call: KEEP FUNDING FOR ‘THE WALL’ OUT OF THE BUDGET
Make the Call: BLOCK THE BUDGET INCREASE FOR IMMIGRANT DEPORTATIONS AND DETENTIONS
Make the Call: PREVENT BUDGET CUTS TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS
Make the Call: PROTECT FUNDING FOR DIPLOMACY AND AID
Make the Call: SAVE AMTRAK LONG-DISTANCE TRAIN SERVICE
Make the Call: KEEP THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH FUNDED
Make the Call: PREVENT DEFUNDING OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS (MEALS ON WHEELS)
Make the Call: PREVENT THE ELIMINATION OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES PROGRAMS
Make the Call: PROTECT MANUFACTURING JOB PROGRAMS FROM BUDGET CUTS
Make the Call: SAVE FEDERAL FUNDS FOR LIBRARIES & LITERACY
Make the Call: PROTECT HEATING ASSISTANCE FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES
**If attending a town hall, use the background info provided with each call to prepare questions or comments!
