President Obama and Senate Democrats: Don't allow Republican budget cuts

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If the Republicans triumph in the current budget battle underway in Washington, Black communities could lose big. What’s at stake? Access to basic health care, housing assistance and job training programs that we need, especially during these tough economic times.

If Democrats cave to the GOP’s war on poor and working folks, the most vulnerable among us will be left to figure out how to make do with less while the wealthiest Americans aren’t asked to compromise on much at all.

Please tell President Obama and Senate Democrats to stand up to the Republican budget.

Below is the text of the petition we'll deliver to President Obama and Senate Democratic leaders on your behalf:

Dear Democratic Senators and President Obama,

I am writing to urge you to prioritize the needs of poor, working class and middle-income Americans as you negotiate with Republicans over the budget, and to stand strong against their attempts to cut essential programs that serve our communities. I also ask that you reconsider the President’s own proposed cuts to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

The Republican proposal would cause Black and low-income communities to sink even deeper into economic crisis. Their plan calls for major cuts to the Community Development Block Grants, Women Infants and Children, Head Start and Pell Grant programs. The GOP plan would also force Americorps to shut its doors. It also mandates the complete removal of federal funds from Planned Parenthood, an organization which provides a wide range of health services in our communities, including pre-natal care, pap smears and screenings for sexually-transmitted infections.

A growing number of households depend on the LIHEAP program — more than 8 million in 2010, up from 7.7 million and 5.8 million during the previous two years. Senate Democrats should defend LIHEAP, and President Obama should drop his proposal to reduce access to this vital service.

It would be irresponsible and immoral to cut programs that help the economy and help the most vulnerable Americans stay afloat — especially while maintaining tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans. I urge you not to use these programs as bargaining chips as you negotiate with House Republicans on the budget.

Sincerely,

[your name]

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