An unusually large group of more than 1,900 organizations representing a broad swath of American society united to urge members of Congress to pull back from the “fiscal cliff” in a responsible way that increases revenue and pares Pentagon spending in order to protect low-income people and rebuild the economy.

In a two-page letter sent Tuesday to every member of the House and Senate, the groups criticized the House budget plans that would slash services for low-income and vulnerable people, as well as various health and job creation programs, in order to eliminate all the budget savings in Pentagon programs. The letter outlines how Congress can act to avoid the automatic sequestration‖ spending cuts that will begin on January 1 by allowing upper-income tax cuts to expire for the richest 2 percent and by making sensible savings in Pentagon programs.The letter calls on lawmakers to employ “a balanced approach that raises revenues, promotes tax fairness, and seeks responsible Pentagon and other savings will allow us to achieve national goals of economic growth, economic security for our people, and fiscal stability. “

The letter adds:

“We cannot rebuild by further reducing local, state and federal government workforces, cutting education, Head Start, employment services, housing and community development, and other vital public services. Nor can we achieve these goals by slashing SNAP/food stamps, Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act. Please stand with us to SAVE our vital services and to preserve and expand opportunities so all can share the benefits of restored prosperity.”

You can find the letter and the list of signers (including 30 groups in Wisconsin) here.

Read more in the October 9 press release.

Jon Peacock