The Senate passed their budget resolution on October 19 calling for flat funding for non-discretionary programs in FY18 and cuts of over $600 billion over the following 10 years. These cuts are unacceptable. In an effort to move Congress away from additional cuts to nondefense programs and toward a bipartisan deal to raise the budget caps, NDD United will release a new report, Faces of Austerity 2.0: How Budget Cuts Continue to Make Us Sicker, Poorer, and Less Secure. This online report will go live at www.raisethecaps.org on October 25. NDD United has planned a number of events throughout the day to accompany its release. Help to get the word out and participate!
There are many ways to get involved and help get the word out about the report and accompanying events.
Toolkit: NDD United wants to “make as much noise as possible” throughout the day and the days following until Congress comes together to raise the austere funding levels. NDD United has prepared a toolkit with a number of resources to help organizations and individuals get engaged in both traditional and social media. Please share this toolkit widely. Elements of the toolkit can be cut and pasted for your own campaigns.
Facebook Live Event: At 9:30 am ET, October 25th, five individuals featured in the report will be interviewed by Representative Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and potentially another member of Congress about the impact of budget cuts on their lives and communities. Help drive viewers to the Facebook live-stream event. Organizations are encouraged to watch and comment during the event, as well as share the live-stream on their own pages. NDD United will be sharing Mr. Hoyer's stream on its website. Organizations can edit and share the following sample Facebook post:
Like and follow our partner on the federal budget, NDD United, on Facebook to learn more about the Americans featured in their new report, Faces of Austerity 2.0: How Budget Cuts Continue to Make Us Sicker, Poorer, and Less Secure, and learn about how federal budget cuts affect people’s lives and communities. Representative Steny Hoyer is confirmed to participate and others have been invited. NDD United will share the live-stream Wednesday, October 25 at 9:30 am ET. https://www.facebook.com/NDD-United-533930649983654/ (thumbnail image w/ title should appear)
Congressional Briefing: At 12:00 pm ET on October 25, NDD United will be holding a Congressional briefing featuring the same five speakers in the Capitol Visitors Center. Be sure to RSVP if you are in Washington and plan to attend. If not, NDD United will share a live-stream via Twitter from @NDDUnited. Also share the invitation with members of your networks. Below are the details:
Faces of Austerity 2.0October 25, 2017 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm House Visitors Center, Room 201 A &B Capitol Building, Washington DC Bag lunch will be served Official flyer (including information on the speakers)! RSVP to [email protected] and include "Austerity" in the subject line.
Twitter Storm: At some point in the afternoon on October 25, NDD United will host a twitter storm using #RaisetheCaps. Additional details will follow. Organizations are encouraged to tweet throughout the day, as well.