Dear GEB and AFSA Local Presidents:

The Senate Appropriations Committee recently approved FY09 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and other related Agencies legislation with a funding amount of $154.9 billion, which is an increase of $9.5 billion over President Bush’s FY09 Budget request. AFSA President Jill Levy sent the attached letter to Appropriations Chairman Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.) thanking him for the committee’s work and for his comments about the current administration’s budget: “When it comes to investing in America, the President’s Budget is anemic. His request would cut funding for our children, for the elderly, for health care, and for job training… There are consequences for failing to invest in America. This committee will not look the other way. We will look forward.” Please refer to the attached press release from the Senate Appropriations Committee for more details on education funding.

We encourage you and your members to send a thank you letter to your Senator on the Appropriations Committee. We have attached a sample thank you letter, as well as a list of all Senate Appropriations Committee Members.

Please note that:

*The House Appropriations Committee has not approved a funding bill for the 2009 fiscal year

*CQ has reported that Democratic leaders have made it clear they expect to abandon the appropriations process this year 

*President Bush directly stated that he would veto any increase over his proposed FY09 Budget

Please let me know if you have any questions or would like further information. 

Thank you, Nick