Below is a heartfelt appeal to those to reach out with their social networks to demand inclusion of key legislation that would curtail regional and state funded programming and could have many negative consequences as a result.  This particular piece of legislation, still up for debate is the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund.  The importance of this particular element is elucidated here for your perusal. 

The Campaign to Protect Ohio ’s Future and Voice’s for Ohio ’s Children have developed this Call to Action to help us reach out to our networks ASAP! Please contact Ohio Congressional members and thank them, for including Foodbank funding increases, but URGE THEM to restore State Fiscal Stabilization Fund in the Economic Recovery Package. If Congress does not pass the federal Recovery bill Ohio will have to cut millions in state programs over the next two years. The debate is likely to be concluded by the end of the week, so it is very important that you contact your Ohio congressional offices immediately. Thanks for all of your help! Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Stay in touch.

Lisa Hamler-Fugitt

Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks

51 North High Street

 Suite 761 Columbus, Ohio      614/221-4336 office 614/271-4803 cell

As a final comment, we need to track these appeals relevant to State legislation that affects our region so we can determine their true merit, and what the tradeoffs involved might be should such portions of legislation not pass.   What would be the next best use of funds not appropriated and allocated this way - and would Ohio and NEO genuinely lose should we not include this piece?  I tend to believe so.  These dollars would be specifically earmarked for community development and at the basest level, meeting the needs of the most severely underprivileged is paramount in today's economic climate.  Base hunger leads to desperation, malnutrition, and ultimately several aggregated negative impacts which reflect in metrics like elevated crime rate , diminished educational achievement, and increased incidence of self-medicating behaviors instigated by these harsh systemic disruptions.  Costs to the state and its consituents, over time, escalate far beyond the initial spending allocated - so long as such spending is carefully monitored and accountability is maintained through transparency and citizen awareness to ensure success.

Definitely worth consideration and, if possible, action - It opens opportunity to outreach to the listed leaders in the attachment above as well, which might open doors for future legislative change efforts.