We Won in the House, Now Tell the Senate to ACT NOW!

From YDA:

Our values and our future are on the line. Millions of young Americans have lost their job, home, savings, and livelihood. We are facing the worst economic crisis since World War II. And if we don't act soon, it will get even worse.

In the midst of this unprecedented crisis, we need unprecedented action. Action that will not only jump start our economy now, but invest in critical programs that will pay off for years, and generations, to come. And there is no time to waste.

Last week, the House of Representatives approved President Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a bill designed to help put money in the hands of working Americans to get our economy back on track.

As soon as tonight, the Senate will vote on this important bill and we need your help NOW to pass this crucial legislation.

The bill isn't perfect; responses to a crisis of this scale never are. Critics have focused on a handful of programs that represent less than a half of one percent of the bill's cost. And - irony alert -- Republicans make accusations of wasteful spending without acknowledging that, on their watch, tax cuts for the rich and a mismanaged war created a far greater burden.

This bill has huge implications for young people. From unemployment insurance to investing in renewable energy, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is designed to safeguard our economic future.

The House of Representatives' bill included the new American Opportunity Tax Credit, which offers a tax credit of up to $2,500 for the cost of tuition and related expenses as well as increases the Pell grant maximum and additional funding for work study. Astonishingly, some Senators want to cut this important higher education funding and tax credits. Be sure to urge your Senators to not only pass this bill but to keep these important programs. After all, what could provide more stimulus to our economy now and in the future than helping young people pay for the rising cost of a college education, proven to increase income throughout our lifetime?

The cost of doing too little outweighs the extraordinary cost of getting us out of this economic crisis. Congress must act now to pass this important legislation and get our economy moving again. Urge your Senators to ACT NOW to pass this critical legislation.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act creates good-paying jobs, cuts taxes for working families and makes responsible investments in our future. This plan will help create or save four million jobs, including an entire generation of green jobs that will make public and private investments in renewable energy and make American more energy efficient. And the bill ensures unprecedented transparency, oversight and accountability so that Americans can see not only how their money is being spent, but also the results of their investments.

Learn more about how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will help your state here. You can also read President Obama's plan and remarks on ARRP.

As young Americans and as Young Democrats we must ACT NOW to urge our Senators to work for our best interest in restoring America's prosperity. This important legislation cannot wait. Our economic future is too important to be yet another political football, we urge bi-partisan support for this crucial bill.

We look forward to keeping you updated on the progress of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as the legislation progresses through Congress. Please help us broaden our impact by forwarding this email to five friends today!

One Million to Thank Obama

From YDA:

Today, we witnessed history as Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States.

We are lucky to have an ally like President Obama in the White House. To him, change and hope and progress are a way of life, not just a slogan. He made an unprecedented commitment to involving young people in politics and now it's our turn to say thank you.

We want one million young voters to say thank you. SIGN NOW!

Today was not the only historic moment for us though. On November 4th, we witnessed a historic shift in the electorate, as Millennials turned out in force and changed politics for a generation.

The Young Voter Revolution continues. All of the energy and momentum we saw across the country, up and down the ballot, was just the beginning. We learned an important lesson though - we have to made our presence known and felt in big numbers to change the conventional wisdom.

Now it's time to prove 2008 is a trend, not a fluke. We need to show the world that young voters will be engaged on key policy issues in the months to come and over the next four years. We need to show we are a political powerhouse.

We want one million young voters to prove that the Young Voter Revolution continues! SIGN TODAY!

And take a moment to thank yourself. YOU - and millions of your friends - made this moment possible. PASS IT ON and keep the momentum going

The 44th President of the United States

I don't think there is anything else that needs to be said, as so many of us have been waiting for this for so long.

Countdown to Jan 20

With the holidays, and some depression brought about from Parkinson's decision, Sebelius' new court appointment, Senate Dems fighting over Obama's former seat, and other bits....I haven't posted in a few weeks. It's not that these things aren't news, it's that I've been job hunting.

I lost perspective, until I was reminded that:

Grant Predicts Difficult Road Ahead

The Fort Scott Tribune is running a series on the plans of area legislators. This morning features Rep. Bob Grant, KHD 2.

Most of the discussion focused on the difficulties the Kansas Legislature will be facing in January.

I think it will be one of the toughest sessions I've seen since I've been up there (Topeka)," the 17-year legislator said Thursday. "It's not going to be fun. We're not going to have money to spend. There will probably be some cuts and some tax breaks. It will probably be a lean, mean session.

The economy has lead to a decrease in state revenue, and now the impacts will be felt in the Kansas budget. The result is a nearly $150 million shortfall.

The budget affects everything else," he said. "If we don't do something now, then in 2010 we're looking at probably a shortfall of over $1 billion. Everybody hates to see programs cut, and maybe we don't have to cut them. I won't say we won't cut them, nobody wants to, but if we don't, what do we do a year from now? Where's the money going to come from? It's great to get tax breaks, but tax breaks mean a loss of revenue and it just compounds the problem.

Education funding will be cut this year. At 65% of Kansas' budget, there does not currently appear to be an alternative. Other possible "fun" topics include a rematch on coal-fired power plants, illegal immigration reform, and property tax relief.

Grant compared the upcoming session to that of 1992, a "Year of Hell" spent discussing abortion, the death penalty, and the redistricting of the legislative districts. Could 2009 become "Year of Hell 2"?

Roberts Blocks Bailout

It comes as no surprise that at least one US Senator from Kansas voted against even discussing important legislation. This time, Pat Roberts did so when it came to saving the American auto industry...during the holiday season.

Waking up this morning, the conservative consensus is "Let's blame the union." Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn went so far as to say "We were about three words away from a deal." What does all this equal for the auto industry and the economy as a whole? CNBC's Phil Lebeau discusses the possible results of last night's vote:

And Just When You Thought Elections Were Over

Municipal election season begins.

Taggart Wall, 19, a Winfield resident and Southwestern College student, has filed for candidacy in the upcoming City Commission race. Most people agree that 2008 was not a great year for the KDP, however Young Democrats did fairly well. In addition to retaining our incumbents, we gained Milack Talia (KHD 23), Mike Slattery (KHD 24), and Sean Gatewood (KHD 57). Looking towards 2009, maybe we can pick up a couple more elected YDs.

In Lawrence, Jacob Beaumont has formed IMpac, or the Independent Moderate Political Action Committee, with the goal that “moderate and progressive candidates that will move Lawrence and Douglas County forward in a responsible manner, independent of special interests and personal agendas.” In short, he hopes to recruit candidates for each of the three city council seats up for election this spring.

We here at the Burro Blog are excited as the 2009 election heats up.