It’s time to stop playing games and fund the government

We all benefit from federal government spending on things like roads, schools and health and safety protections. Every year, Congress must pass legislation to fund critical government programs.

But this year, Congress has delayed enacting bills to fund these crucial programs more than three months past the annual deadline, and some lawmakers are playing a partisan game of chicken to prevent a final deal. If Congress waits too long, more severe cuts of up to 9.4% to these programs will automatically take effect in May.

Tell your members of Congress: stop playing games and fund the government!

A government shutdown or extreme funding reductions would have devastating effects on our most disadvantaged neighbors, including:

•Cutting funding for clean energy and broadband programs
•Increasing energy costs for rural communities
•Allowing coal companies to get away with not reclaiming mines and putting miners’ health at risk
•Gutting rural economic development opportunities

Write to your lawmakers today and tell them to protect our vulnerable communities and fund the government now!