I am a member of the Episcopal Public Policy Network, which is participating in Ecumenical Advocacy Days, March 10-13 here in D. C.
Here is the latest: “Ecumenical Advocacy Days – March 10-13 in Washington, DC – is a great opportunity for education and fellowship with other advocates for peace and justice from across the country. The conference has a broad spectrum of issue based tracks and a stellar line-up of speakers. Time will also be set aside so that Episcopalians attending can meet one another. Registration deadlines are quickly approaching, so check out the website and register soon!
UPDATE: FY’06 Budget & TANF Reauthorization
Thank you to all of you who have been steadfast advocates during the last year calling out together for a national budget that reflects our moral values as a nation – a budget that nurtures children, aids the sick, and protects the elderly. We had several moments of success in this long hard fought cause: removing drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and maintaining funding levels for the crucial Food Stamps Program. Unfortunately, yesterday in a very close vote in the House of Representatives (216-214), Congress chose to ignore our pleas and passed the FY’06 Budget with its severe cuts to many important programs including TANF. Click here to see how your member voted.
This struggle is not over. Our work continues as does Congress’s. They will soon begin consideration of the FY’07 Budget and a number of new initiatives that we all heard about in the President’s State of the Union Address earlier this week. During the coming year, we will persevere in our baptismal vow to “strive for justice and peace and the dignity of human kind” and we hope, “with God’s help” you will join us also.
We are starting a new feature on the EPPN website called “Everyday Advocacy.” Periodically, reflections will be posted that share the day to day experiences of “striving for justice and peace,” from our staff, clergy and advocates like you from across the country. The first installment, “Everyday Advocacy: Finding the Small Victories Even in the Larger Loss” is available on our website now, click here to read more. We look forward to hearing your comments and thoughts.