SENATE BUDGET ADVOCACY

If you know your state representative, you can find their contact information here:
http://www.mass.gov/legis/memmenuh.htm

To find out who your State Representative is and a link for their contact information, go to:
http://www.wheredoivotema.com

For more details on the Senate proposals and JDI's budget priorities, click here.

Sample phone script

Hi, my name is _________ and I am a constituent. I am calling to urge Senator (Find your Massachusetts state senators) to sign on as a sponsor to three vital amendments:

1. Senator Eldridge of Acton has filed an amendment to reinstate language and to maintain current funding for line item 4513-1130 at $6.3 million.
2. Senator Flanagan has filed an amendment to maintain current funding for line item 4800-1400 at the $23.5 million for domestic violence services.
3. Senator Creem has filed an amendment to maintain current funding for line item 4510-0810 Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) and Pediatric SANE Programs at $3,623,068.

Rather than impose such devastating budget cuts, I support an increase in revenue through taxes to fund these life-saving services.

Thank you.

Sample Email:

Use subject heading: Responding to the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Crisis.
Let them know why you care about these services and that you urge them to support continued levels of funding.

Dear Senator

On behalf of the 35,000 women, men and children who receive life-saving services from sexual assault and domestic violence programs in Massachusetts, I am writing as a constituent to ask you to sign on as a sponsor of these three amendments:

1. Senator Eldridge of Acton has filed an amendment to reinstate language and to maintain current funding for line item 4513-1130 at $6.3 million. This language ensures that funding for rape crisis services in general plus funding for sexual and domestic violence prevention; for batterers' intervention services; for sexual abuse and domestic violence services for immigrants and refugees; and for the public health model of community engagement and intervention services and crisis housing for sexual violence and intimate partner violence in the GLBT community.
2. Senator Flanagan has filed an amendment to maintain current funding for line item 4800-1400 at the $23.5 million for domestic violence services.
3. Senator Creem has filed an amendment to maintain current funding for line item 4510-0810 Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) and Pediatric SANE Programs at $3,623,068.

It is simply not fair or wise to ask those that have been victims of these crimes to pay the price for the current economic crisis. Rather than impose such devastating budget cuts, I support an increase in revenue through taxes to fund these life-saving services.

Thank you for your concern and action.

Sincerely,
Name
Address
City