On September 9, less than one month before federal fiscal year 2014 (FY14) begins, members of the House and Senate will return to Washington, where a host of fiscal issues await. Congress is unlikely to pass all the necessary appropriations bills by October 1, making a temporary Continuing Resolution (CR) likely. Additionally, the need to raise the debt ceiling approaches, potentially as soon as mid-October. Meanwhile, the FY13 sequestration is still in place, and negotiations to replace it in FY14 and beyond are seemingly at a standstill. As these fiscal battles loom, and perhaps align, now is the time when you can make a difference!

Tell your legislators: 

1. What impact sequestration is having in your state – including on the programs you administer and the individuals you serve;
2. That the sequester must be replaced by a balanced deficit reduction package that does not increase poverty or income inequality;
3. To protect federally-funded programs for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers in FY14; and
4. To reject any additional cuts to discretionary programs below the caps established in the Budget Control Act (BCA).