As you may have heard by now, last Friday Senator Zarelli [R-18th LD] led conservatives in a back-door deal to pass a budget that hadn't gone through any public hearings, which means without a process in which our voices could be heard.

By a narrow margin, the Senate passed this budget. If that budget were to pass in the House and become law, the huge cuts to social services would lead to a dramatic rise in homelessness in every community across the state. 

Some of the low points include:

• Slashes Housing and Essential Needs program by 75%

• Redirects funds in a way that will make it almost impossible to fund capital projects like the Housing Trust Fund

• Cuts over $200 million from the TANF program and implements a 48 month lifetime limit and further reduces the cash grant.

• Eliminates Disability Lifeline medical

• Eliminates food supports for thousands of families

It is incredibly important that we thank the Senators who voted NO on this budget for standing up for us and for a fair Democratic process that listens to the voices.

It is also incredibly important that we let our Representatives know that they need to stand strong against the Senate's budget and stand up for full funding for the Housing and Essential Needs program, TANF, and other critical programs that make up our safety-net.

I know that it has been a long Session, and it looks like it's going to go on even longer--but that's why it's all the more important that you keep on fighting for the programs our communities depend on.

Please go to our Take Action page and contact your legislator right now: CLICK HERE