The debt ceiling agreement deals a serious blow to women’s economic security. If approved, it will impose $1 trillion in cuts to family planning clinics, food stamps, college tuition assistance, child care and other programs that disproportionately serve and employ women. The second part of the deal is likely to include cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and possibly Social Security.
NOW is concerned that President Obama is about to agree to a deficit reduction package that disproportionately harms women — without even bothering to consult with women leaders in Congress.
Today NCWO delivered a letter to Congress demanding a budget deal with NO cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Md.) joined prominent leaders from NCWO on a press call launching the nationwide campaign Respect, Protect, Reject 2012.
As a part of the 2011 National NOW Conference, NOW will hold an emergency rally on Friday, June 24, to protest proposed cuts in the 2012 budget. Hundreds of grassroots feminist activists from around the country will participate in this action.
We want a woman who understands the economics of budget and tax policies as they hurt or help women, their children and their families discussing the impact of the recession.