Urgent Action Alert!

To understand the impact of this veto to Georgians, please read Eric Jacobson's, the Executive Director for the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities comments to his Board:

Dear Council Members,

The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities has notified us that the Congressional vote to override President Bush's veto of the Labor Health and Human Services budget may come up today. This budget includes $5 million in new funds for Councils across the country. New money will mean that we don't have to cut programs like Partners in Policymaking or can think about creating new programs. [emphasis added] Now is the time to let your representative and our senators know that you support that override. [You can access contact information easily online.]

[Click here to find a draft letter you might use in an email or fax.]

Please let us know if you do contact them and if you get a response.

Eric Jacobson

So Action is Needed TODAY
Help to Override the President’s Veto of the FY 2008 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Bill

What is at stake?
The appropriations bill for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and related agencies (Labor-HHS-Ed) is the bill that provides funding for the vast majority of federal disability programs.

Who does this affect?
Millions of people with disabilities, their families/caregivers, and service providers.

Status

November 5 - The House and Senate approved the FY 2008 Labor-HHS-Ed conference report bill.
November 13 - President Bush vetoed the bill.
November 15 - The House is expected to vote to override the President's veto. Scheduling of the Senate vote will depend on the results of the House vote.

WE NEED two thirds of the House and Senate votes to override the veto.

TAKE ACTION:
Send an email message to your Senators and Representatives TODAY, November 14. Click here to compose and send the email. Please be sure to add some information about your personal interest in disability programs and services to the sample message.

Read an article about the veto, Bush Vetoes Health and Education Bill By JENNIFER LOVEN, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - President Bush on Tuesday vetoed a spending measure for health and education programs prized by congressional Democrats. He also signed a big increase in the Pentagon's non-war budget. The president's action was announced on Air Force One as Bush flew to Indiana for a speech expected to criticize the Democratic-led Congress on its budget priorities. More than any other spending bill, the $606 billion education and health measure defines the differences between Bush and majority Democrats. The House fell three votes short of winning a veto-proof margin as it sent the measure to Bush. Rep. David Obey, the Democratic chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, pounced immediately on Bush's veto. "This is a bipartisan bill supported by over 50 Republicans," Obey said. "There has been virtually no criticism of its contents. It is clear the only reason the president vetoed this bill is pure politics."

Click here to read the entire article.