CHIP lobby day, March 9th.

[crispini]

OK, I can take some time to do this. Who's with me?!

CHIP LOBBY DAY ** WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9 **

On Wednesday, March 9, the Texas Freedom Network and Texas Impact will be working with other statewide organizations to sponsor an in-district CHIP lobby day. The best way to convince lawmakers that Texans support the full restoration of CHIP benefits for our kids is through a visit to their legislative district offices. While your elected officials are at the Capitol in Austin, their district staff are in the office and available to meet with you about the importance of CHIP coverage for Texas families.

The following are some key points to discuss during your visit:
· Restoring CHIP funding is the right thing to do for Texas kids and the fiscally responsible thing to do for Texas.
· More than 175,000 children have lost CHIP coverage since the Legislature slashed the program’s funding in 2003.
· The state funding cuts for CHIP were false savings. Budget cuts to CHIP in 2003 have cost Texas about $500 million in federal matching funds for the program.

These lobby visits will be punctuated with simultaneous press conferences around the state, including an event at the north steps of the state Capitol in Austin at 11:30 a.m. on March 9.

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“RESTORE CHIP” POSTCARDS

TFN is collecting signatures on postcard petitions calling on Texas lawmakers to fully restore CHIP funding and services this legislative session. We need your help!

Please help us get these postcards to people around the state who care about restoring CHIP. Visit our Web site today to download the postcard, or contact us and we will send you postcards to distribute to your congregation, business or community group.

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TAKE ACTION

1. Visit your state representative and senator's district offices on March 9 (or sometime next week) to tell them how important CHIP restoration is to you. Call ahead and make an appointment with a district office staff person. If you don't have an appointment, at least drop by the office and sign the guest book. Make sure the district office staff know that you are participating in the statewide CHIP Lobby Day.

2. “Restore CHIP” postcards will be delivered to elected officials throughout the session. If you have not yet signed a postcard or can help collect signatures from friends, family members and coworkers, contact us or visit our website at www.tfn.org.

3. Let us know that you are participating in district lobbying for
CHIP. Contact Katrina Mendiola at 512-322-0545 or [e-mail].