Kimberly Hughes SSS Program Assistant/WESTOP Legislative & Education Chair 5241 N Maple Avenue, TA35 Fresno, CA 93740-8027 559-278-5725 work/559-470-5782 cell 559-278-1441 fax [log in to unmask] ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Kimberly Hughes <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] Sent: Thu, June 23, 2011 11:23:36 AM Subject: Fwd: Time to Get Serious Kimberly Hughes, Program Assistant Student Support Services, CSUF Foundation 5241 N. Maple Ave., Room 122 MS TA 35 Fresno, CA 93740-8027 559-278-5725 phone 559-278-1441 fax Email: [log in to unmask] TRiO...it works! We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community... Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own. ~Cesar Chavez ________________________________ From: "Arnold Mitchem" <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] Sent: Thursday, June 23, 2011 8:07:46 AM Subject: Time to Get Serious June 23, 2011 Dear Colleague, Republicans have declared war on programs that assist the poor and underrepresented populations. This week I have also learned that Democratic leaders, including those who call themselves champions of TRIO, are willing to protect the Pell Grant program at the expense of other higher education programs like TRIO and GEAR UP. They plan to rob Peter to pay Paul. The time to act is now. If we want to solve the debt crisis, cutting programs that help our nation’s most vulnerable citizens is not the answer. As Americans and as humanitarians, we must protect and defend all Americans, regardless of race, gender, economic circumstance, or disability. It is up to us – the TRIO and GEAR UP community - to act now. Request meetings with each of your Representatives and Senators. Attend local rallies over the July 4th recess. Start letter writing campaigns. In 2007, we saved 12,000 students by rising up and being heard. This year alone, we lost 25,000 students through cuts recommended by conservatives and carried out by all Members of Congress. We cannot afford to lose more. Our government relations team is here to help, but we can’t do it without you. Thank you for your support, your ideas, and most of all your commitment to those who may not have a voice. Arnold Mitchem President Council for Opportunity in Education Please do not "reply" to this e-mail as the general Government Relations address ([log in to unmask]) is not checked on a regular basis. Please send responses directly to [log in to unmask] or [log in to unmask] Thank you.