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Contact Congress Before Thursday, July 31st
The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, chaired by Senator Susan Collins, is scheduled to meet the morning of Thursday, July 31st to decide funding levels in the Labor-Health and Human Services-Education bill. This proposal includes:
- Elimination of Parent Training and Information Centers (SPAN Parent Advocacy Network)
- Elimination of Community Parent Resource Centers (Association for Special Children and Families)
- Elimination of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities at Rutgers)
- Funding reductions for disability protection and advocacy (Disability Rights NJ)
- Elimination of disability employment programs
- Elimination of preschool disability programming
What Does This Mean for SPAN?
As New Jersey’s Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), SPAN Parent Advocacy Network helps families of children and youth with disabilities access the resources and support they need. This includes guidance on special education, healthcare, transition to adulthood, and more.
Without federal funding, our ability to provide these essential services would be severely reduced. We are actively planning for sustainability, but preserving this federal funding is critical to continuing our mission.
What Can You Do?
Your voice is powerful and needed now.
Federal lawmakers need to hear from those who directly benefit from our services. Here’s how you can help:
- Send a short email to your U.S. Senators and Representatives before Thursday, July 31st sharing how SPAN has supported you.
- Call their offices and leave a voicemail about why this funding must be preserved.
- Prioritize New Jersey’s Republican representatives and Senator Susan Collins, as she chairs the committee making these funding decisions.
Email Template
Dear [Staffer Name],
My name is [Your Name] and I am contacting you to express my concern about the Administration’s proposed budget and its impact on Parent Training and Information Centers like SPAN Parent Advocacy Network in New Jersey.
SPAN (PTI) and Association for Special Children and Families, ASCF (CPRC) have worked together for years to support families through training, family engagement, and community-based programs. These partnerships strengthen our ability to serve New Jersey’s underserved populations.
As a [parent/family member/provider/educator], I have benefited from SPAN’s support. [Add 1–2 sentences about how SPAN helped you and why their services matter.]
Please ensure continued funding for these programs.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
[Your Name and Contact Information]
Priority Contacts
Senator Susan Collins (Chair, Appropriations Committee)
New Jersey Republican Representatives
New Jersey Congressional Delegation
U.S. Senate
Senator Cory Booker (D)
Email: Contact Form
Phone: 973-639-8700
Senator Andy Kim (D)
Email: Contact Form
Phone: (202) 224-4744
U.S. House of Representatives
Democrats:
Find your district: https://www.house.gov/representatives
Quick Action Tool
Use this 2-minute tool to urge your representatives to support funding for University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs): https://aucd.quorum.us/campaign/133226
SPAN Parent Advocacy Network is committed to continuing our support for New Jersey’s families, but we need your help to protect these vital services. Please reach out if you have questions or need help taking action.
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