rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/letter/tell-congress-federal-programs-arent-keeping-up-with-rising-costs?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-letter-area-tell-congress-federal-programs-arent-keeping-up-with-rising-costs' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> CHN Action https://actionnetwork.org/groups/coalition-on-human-needs https://can2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/share_options/facebook_images/000/399/854/original/RTS18VLY-1024x683.jpg Congress is expected to adjourn by December 23rd. That means time is running out to pass a full-year omnibus appropriations bill that includes increases in spending on critically needed programs. Due to rising costs on everything from food to energy to housing, congressional funding for programs targeted to people’s needs has lost 9% of its value over the last 12 years with many programs losing far more. And with higher inflation, flat funding in the Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations bill would amount to a cut to critical programs for those most in need. Rising prices have resulted in the average family’s costs rising approximately $433 per month from the year before. Last year more than 40% of people with household incomes of less than $50,000 were paying half or more of their income on rent. With eviction rates back to pre-pandemic levels, with Black and Latino people facing disproportionately higher rates, and rents rising, we’re demanding critical investments to address the affordable housing crisis. In the midst of a spike in mental health problems for children, Children’s Mental Health funding has dropped 18% since FY2010. At the same time, education funds for our most vulnerable children, youth, and adults have declined. We’re demanding critical investments to help children and youth overcome pandemic losses and to rebuild opportunity for all. As prices remain high on home heating fuels, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has seen its funding plummet by 40% since 2010, taking inflation into account. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, families struggled to find affordable, high-quality child care. This has been exacerbated over the last two years, forcing many parents―primarily women―out of the workforce in order to care for young children. Congress is running out of time to act before they adjourn for the year―and before we face divided government, starting next month. Click “START WRITING” to send a message to your senators and representative to pass a full-year omnibus appropriations bill that includes increases in spending on critically needed programs. We’ve provided a suggested message, but feel free to personalize to have an even greater impact. Remember, the message is: Increase spending for critically needed programs in a year-end spending bill. https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-congress-federal-programs-arent-keeping-up-with-rising-costs