Dear TRIO Colleagues:

In the mere minutes since the alert below was released, the House of Representative voted 218-210 to approve the debt ceiling plan authored by House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH). This bill would be a short-term deal and require the government to raise the debt ceiling again in just a few short months. What is more troubling is that it would require more than $2 trillion in funding cuts and consideration of a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution. (COE has taken a stand against a balanced budget amendment. You can read our letter on the issue here: http://www.coenet.us/files/bulletin_board-COE_Letter_in_Opposition_to_BBA_071211.pdf.)

Therefore, we urge you to call BOTH of your Senators at (202) 224-3121 and tell them to vote NO on the Boehner budget deal.

COE will keep you updated on this situation as it unfolds.

Sincerely,

Kimberly Jones

COE

Dear TRIO Colleagues:

This weekend, the U.S. Congress will be voting on various measures aimed at raising the debt ceiling, reducing the federal deficit, and cutting spending. Although the details change by the hour, it’s critical that your legislators hear from you throughout the weekend. Therefore, we urge you, your colleagues, family members, and friends to call your House Representative and each of your Senators at (202) 224-3121 and leave the following message:

“I work in TRIO and I’m urging you to vote against any bill that will reduce education funding.”

This is now a numbers game. The more legislators hear from the public, the more likely they will be moved to do the right thing for our citizens.

Thank you for your continued support of TRIO programs.

Heather Valentine

COE