"Dear Colleague" Letter Supporting Section 118 Funding

October 03, 2005

Contact your Senators!

Last week, Senators Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Jack Reed (D-RI), Conrad Burns (R-MT), and Susan Collins (R-ME) circulated a “dear colleague” letter requesting that funding be restored for Section 118 - Occupational and Employment Information.  This letter, which is attached for your review, was sent to every Senator with a request that they consider signing the letter. 

As of this morning, only six Senators have signed the letter.  These senators include:  Akaka (D-HI), Carper (D-DE), Craig (R-ID), Johnson (D-SD), Kerry (D-MA), and Lieberman (D-CT).  While several other senators have expressed interest, no others have committed to the letter.  To be successful, many more signatures are needed; otherwise, funding for Section 118 will be eliminated.

The deadline for signatures has been extended until Wednesday, October 5th .    

Action needed: Contact your senators today and ask that they sign on to this "Dear Colleague" letter.  Explain to them that funding for Occupational and Employment Information is in serious jeopardy, and explain how funds are used in your state and what will happen in your state if funding is eliminated.