“The Calling for 2-1-1 Act” will authorize $250 million to help implement and sustain 2-1-1 nationwide. Recently, Janet Durden, CEO of United Way of Northeast Louisiana, testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Government Oversight Committee about the value of 2-1-1 during and after Hurricanes Katrina, Gustav and Ike. Janet’s testimony provided a powerful first-hand account of 2-1-1’s value, both in times of crisis and for meeting every day needs. This was an important step in securing passage of the Calling for 2-1-1 Act; however, our work is not finished. We need your help!
Encourage your Representative to cosponsor the Act. California Senators Barbara Boxer and Diane Feinstein are already cosponsors of the Senate bill to support 2-1-1. We urge you to contact your Representative and ask for his/her cosponsorship of the bill. United Way has produced a list to help you determine if your Representative is a cosponsor. To reach out to your Representative, simply click on his/her name and view contact information.
If your Representative is not a cosponsor, call the Washington, DC office number listed. Give your name, state that you are a constituent, and ask to speak with the staff who handles legislation in the Energy and Commerce Committee.
When speaking to the staff or leaving a voicemail:
- State that you are calling to request the Representative’s support for the Calling for 2-1-1 Act (H.R.211)
- Speak to the value of 2-1-1 for you, your community and our state.
- Ask that your Representative sign-on as a cosponsor.
- Thank the staff for their time and consideration.
Get up-to-date information on the status of 2-1-1 legislation any time by visiting United Way’s Public Advocacy page.
