We need your immediate assistance in asking your members to contact their U.S. Senators.

The Senate Finance Committee is expected to take up their version of the Economic Recovery Package on Tuesday. SENATOR BILL NELSON SITS ON THIS COMMITTEE.

Please urge Senator Nelson to support the recovery package and to vote to ensure that at least the same levels of funding contained in the House package remain in the Senate version of the bill -- especially the FMAP rates (federal match for Medicaid).

The full House is expected to vote on their bill on Wednesday of next week. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR CONGRESS PERSON AND URGE HIM/HER TO SUPPORT THE BILL.

Please make sure they understand what is at stake in Florida if the stimulus package does not pass.

Talking Points in Support of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill:

I urge the House to act quickly to pass the proposed American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill.

This proposal includes the investments in education, health care, and other areas necessary to jump-start the economy, create jobs, and help struggling families and communities.

So far, the cuts to the state public education budget have totaled over $3.2 billion and based on current revenue projections, we are facing the potential of additional funding reductions.

I am very pleased that the proposed package includes significant investments in education, including increased funding for Title I and IDEA special education, and major investments in school construction. This funding will take pressure off state budgets and will infuse money into communities where it is most needed.

The proposed education funding provided directly to states through existing funding formulas is particularly critical. It offers an effective, efficient way to stimulate the economy, protect and create jobs, and shore up distressed communities.

Unlike investments in other industries, education funding reaches every community in the nation. Therefore, the impact of additional funding will be felt in every city, small town, and rural area. And, because state formulas are designed to provide assistance to those areas most in need, additional funding would help save jobs in the very communities where they are needed the most.

The proposed school modernization funding will also provide an immediate stimulus to local economies. In fact, it will create thousands of new jobs in the construction industry and among the many construction industry suppliers, ranging from architects and engineers to roofing contractors and other workers who design and build our nation's schools.

I am also very pleased that the plan would address needs in unemployment insurance, nutrition assistance, and other programs to help families meet basic needs during this economic crisis.

Again, I urge Congress to act quickly to pass this urgent legislation.

Contact numbers for Florida's Senators:

Bill Nelson

202-224-5274 office

202-228-2183 fax

Mel Martinez

202-224-3041 office

202-228-5171 fax