Take Action
PRESIDENT BUSH'S FY2006 BUDGET CUTS ABE BY 66%:

President Bush's FY2006 federal budget plans to cut ABE grants to states by 66%, effective in the federal fiscal year 2006 which would affect the states in FY2007. (Note: the federal budget appropriations are decided a year in advance before they are passed down to the states.)

TELEPHONE CALL SCRIPT SUGGESTIONS:
When you call, you will likely talk to either an aide or someone who is keeping a tally of the calls they receive on this issue. Be sure to immediately

1) Give your name and identify yourself as a constituent and registered voter if applicable (Note: if you are not registered, please do so. Elected officials pay more attention to the opinions of registered voters.)

2) State your opposition to the President’s proposed cuts for adult education in the FY2006 and ask that the adult education funding be increased.

3) If you have time, say why adult education is important to you. Student stories are very persuasive. Talk about how adult education has made a difference in your life or the lives of others, e.g., helped them get a job or a better job, become a taxpayer, obtain a high school credential, or obtain health insurance for themselves and their family.

• Administrators might talk about how many individuals their program serves, the goals those students achieve through adult ed., how the federal funds leverage state and local support, and the importance of adult education.
• Volunteers can talk about why adult education is important to them, and why they donate their valuable time to teach someone else in their community.

4) Offer your address and contact information.

LETTER WRITING SUGGESTIONS:
1) Follow the suggested telephone script outlined above.

2) Write "Increase funding for adult education" in the subject line of your letter. In the body of the letter, be sure to state first that you are against the proposed cut and want the adult education funding to be restored and increased to its current level.

3) Whenever possible, mail and fax your letter. The fax will get there immediately, and mailing your letter will increase the volume of letters that your Representative receives. Be aware letters take up to six weeks to arrive at officials offices due to anthrax screening.

4) Keep the letter to 1 page. Be clear and avoid jargon or acronyms.

5) Remember to sign it and provide your address.

FINDING YOUR LEGISLATORS:
If you are unsure who your Legislators are, visit www.senate.gov, then pick your state and visit www.house.gov, type in your Postal Zip Code.

REPORT YOUR ACTIONS TO NCSDAE:
It is extremely important to know how many calls have been made, how letters and faxes have been sent, and any feedback that you receive from the Senators and Congressional Representatives. Please report your actions at http://www.ncsdae.org/myweb/Campaign_700.htm so a tally can be kept.

THANK YOU!
Thank you for making time to ensure that adult education services continue to be available for our current and future students. You can and will make a huge difference.