ATLANTA (October 1, 2013) – With news of an impending government shutdown, Senator Gloria Butler (D- Stone Mountain) joined one hundred women legislators and one hundred women community leaders from more than 35 states Monday morning on the steps of the nation’s Capital to call on Congress to work together to end the brinksmanship and get back to business doing the work of the people. The group is part of Women’s Action for New Directions (WAND) and its program, the Women Legislators’ Lobby (WiLL), a national nonpartisan network of women state legislators, who work together to influence federal policy and budget priorities.
“Shutting down the government is not in the best interests of the people and will only cause greater gridlock in Washington,” said Senator Butler. “We have a responsibility to the American people to fund essential government services and ensure the continued rebuilding of our nation’s economy.”
The lawmakers came to Washington to educate themselves about federal budget priorities in order to be more effective advocates for their constituents needs. A long-planned day at the Capitol on Tuesday has unexpectedly been upturned as few can speculate whether Washington D.C. will be open at all.
“WAND’s focus is to work with Congress. These women are here specifically to go to the Hill and talk about their community’s needs,” said WAND Executive Director Susan Shaer. “We did not expect a political tantrum. We are very disappointed that because of this shutdown we will not be able to communicate our community’s needs — and that is categorically unacceptable.”
From more than 35 states across the country, it was striking how similar the lawmakers found their constituent concerns. Phone calls and emails poured in from people who are elderly and disabled, fearful of losing their Social Security on top of the threat of food stamp cuts and housing subsidy cuts that are just beginning to roll out. Veterans returning from their service are calling concerned about losing their VA benefits while our servicemen and women deployed around the world are wondering whether they will receive their paycheck. The lawmakers expressed strong concern about what a shutdown would do to the people already hurt from Sequestration.
State Legislators from across the country will be available for interviews as the story unfolds. Please contact State Senator Gloria Butler State at (404) 656-0075 or email Gloria.butler@senate.ga.gov for additional questions or concerns.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
October 1, 2013
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Shawna Mercer, Sr. Communications Specialist
Shawna.Mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028