The Senate continues to move quickly on dangerous health care legislation to cut and cap Medicaid, and repeal critical health care protections like coverage for pre-existing conditions. We are hearing that there could be a vote as early as the week of June 26 – so time is short to stop this legislation.
The Arc has created new tools to assist chapters in their efforts to oppose this legislation:
1. Social media share graphics: Social media is an important tool for advocacy. Post this graphic on your Facebook and Twitter to spread the word about the importance of Medicaid in the lives of people with disabilities. Tag your U.S. Senators and encourage your chapter members and coalition partners to share these images and tag your U.S. Senators as well. Here are sample posts:Facebook:People with disabilities rely on Medicaid to live in their communities. Share now to spread the word. #HandsOffTwitter:Medicaid matters to people w/ disabilities. RT to Tell Congress #HandsOffRT to tell @YOURSENATOR @YOURSENATOR #HandsOff Medicaid
2. Sample letters to the editor: Legislators care what is written in their state and local newspapers. For this reason, letters to the editor are an effective advocacy tool for sharing opinions because they have the authority to educate and ignite readers into action as well as hold the attention of your elected officials. Please take a few minutes to submit this sample letter to the editor to local papers. If you need any assistance or have questions, please contact Sarah Bal at bal@thearc.org.
3. Resources reminder: Constituent calls to Senate offices are incredibly powerful, particularly at a high volume. Please continue to direct your networks to make calls through this link: Tell Your Senators: NO Cuts to Medicaid, so that we can track the number of calls being made across the country.
Additionally, please share The Arc’s videos featuring personal stories about Medicaid. If you missed any check them out now: “If I could say one thing”, “Meet Thelma,” “Meet Bryan”, “Meet Soojung & Alice,” and “Meet Linda & Javi.”
Thank you for all your efforts to protect Medicaid. Please contact Claire Manning, Director of Advocacy and Mobilization at manning@thearc.org with any questions.