Call Sen. Voinovich now; Consideration continues, vote could come Sunday

Urge Voinovich to vote NO on Grassley Amendments that would weaken Medicaid, aid to states;

Ask for YES vote on economic stimulus bill to protect Ohio jobs, public services

Blog Update - Feb. 6, 2009

Can you take two minutes right now to call Sen. George Voinovich and urge him to support President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment plan?

This economic stimulus package includes badly needed aid for state and local governments. The Senate is considering amendments, and getting closer to voting on this vital plan to stem Ohio's job loss.

Call today to protect Ohio jobs and public services. Keep your call short and be specific: Urge Sen. Voinovich to vote YES on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Provide your full name and address if you'd like a response from his office.

Revised Sample Phone Script - Oppose Grassley Amendment that would weaken aid to states:

"Hello, please connect me to the office of Senator Voinovich (pause while operator connects you).

Hi, my name is ___________ . I’m calling to urge Senator Voinovich to vote NO on the Grassley amendments to President Obama’s economic recovery plan. These amendments weaken Medicaid funding for the states and should be rejected.

Investing in public programs creates jobs and ensures that the public services people rely on will be there when they need them.

I also urge Senator Voinovich to vote YES on President Obama’s economic recovery plan that includes investments in state and local government services.

Thank you

Sample Phone Script:

"My name is____________, and I am a constituent from Ohio calling to urge Senator Voinovich to vote yes to create and save jobs, and jumpstart the economy by supporting the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Obama economic recovery plan will bolster our economy in Ohio and across the country."

Here's what's at stake.

• Our nation is in the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression – and OCSEA / AFSCME Local 11 members are seeing the damage first hand.

• With Ohio facing a $7.3 billion budget hole over the next biennium, Gov. Ted Strickland has already warned that this could mean a 25 percent cut in state operations.

• State budget cuts mean job and service cut backs at a time when Ohio citizens need them most.

• Funding for job training will speed the recovery process by ensuring that U.S. workers and businesses have the necessary skills to begin rebuilding our nation’s economy and participating in an era of renewed prosperity.
  

• Meanwhile, Senator Grassley is attacking aid to the states by offering amendments, likely late Thursday, Feb. 5, to weaken the Medicaid funding provisions.

More Take Actions

Download, Circulate, and Return Petition Signatures

Fax hand-written letter by Feb. 6 to Sen. Voinovich to a YES vote for economic stimulus, federal aid

See Related

AFSCME Fact Sheet on Ohio and Obama Economic Recovery Plan (PDF)

PEOPLE program

AFSCME Legislative Report - Jan. 23, 2009 Report

AFSCME Legislative Report - Jan. 16, 2009