Program: K-12 Education Cut:

Over $3 Billion

in

2012-2013

A loss of stimulus funds, cutting of state aid and ending tangible personal property tax replacement. CMSD will layoff over 800 staff and shut down 7 more schools if proposed cuts PASS.

OR

Loophole:

Tangible personal property used primarily in manufacturing tangible personal property

Cost:

$3 Billion

Any equipment bought by a company for the purpose of making a product to sell does not pay sales tax on it.

Close Ohio's unequitable

TAX

LOOPHOLES

We are joining Northeast Ohioians

for Budget

Legislation Equality  and ASKING

WHY NOT ???

CLOSE THESE LOOPHOLES THAT ARE

HURTING OHIOIANS !!!

Call your elected officials and tell them to close these loopholes that hurt Ohio.

We Are the Uninsured

Call to Action

Despite other assumptions, 4 out of 5 Americans without health insurance are employed or belong to a family that at least one adult is working. Locally, the uninsured of Cleveland need resources to empower themselves by explaining their predicament in their own words. If the needs of those without health coverage are discussed at all, they are brought to light by professionals in organizations that work for the uninsured. The true voice of the uninsured is missing. Legislators and those with health coverage are less able to prioritize the need for access to quality, affordable health coverage when they cannot put a face to those who struggle to maintain their health without coverage. A growing population of uninsured people can impose destabilizing financial strains on community health providers that serve all community members and on the public and private sources that finance local health care.

The lack of health coverage affects more than the ability to pay doctor bills. It affects the decisions of wether or not to even see a doctor because paying for a visit, tests, prescriptions will get in the way of being able to pay for necessities such as rent, groceries, and child care. It affect the ability to obtain preventive care and stop or slow the development of an illness. Trying to survive without health coverage takes an emotional toll.

When meeting with your elected leader:

1. KISS: Keep it Short and Simple
The meeting should be brief and concise. Know why you are there, why the legislator should care, and what you want. If you are with a group of people, you may even want to designate one spokesperson. Go to the meeting with a short list of bullet points that you want to communicate.

2. Have your facts straight.
Spend a few minutes reading through materials and thinking about the issue so you have familiarized yourself with it before you meet with your legislator. Talk about how the legislator's constituents will benefit from the action you want. If the legislator asks you something you don't know, don't guess -find out the information and send it later.

3. Be on time, polite, and patient.
There is no quicker way to lose support for an issue than by being rude to legislators. BE NICE. Your legislator may have two committee meetings going on while he or she is supposed to be meeting with you and may be late. Don't' be offended -just be glad you have gotten some of the legislator's time and make the most of it. Don't show up unannounced or assail those individuals or organizations that oppose your issue. Attacking your legislator can only hinder your efforts.

4. If you go as a group, introduce your group members and note what connection each person may have to the legislator's district.
Make sure that the legislator knows your connection to his or her district -whether you are a constituent living in the district, a person working in the district, a person affected by the issue under consideration, and so forth.

5. Make the issue personal.
How does the issue affect children in your area? Senior citizens? The community? Your organization? You? Tell stories about how the issue affects the people in your legislator's district.

6. Be a resource.
Leave a one-page fact sheet with your representative covering your key messages. Include contact information so that the legislator or staff member can reach you with questions or notice that the issue is going to come up for action. If your legislator needs more information than you have with you, offer to obtain it. Be sure to follow up.

7. Before you leave, say "Thank You" again.
Leave some information for the legislator to read, but keep that information simple, too. Be direct by asking at the end of the meeting: "Will you support my cause?" His or her answer will determine your future efforts.

8. Make a note about what happened in your meeting and bring your report back to your organization.
It's important for you to share what you learn with your organization. Take a few minutes to jot down your impressions and any specific statements of support or opposition that the legislator made. Did the legislator give you any advice or display knowledge related to your issue?

9. Continue your relationship with your legislator.
When you get home, promptly send a note thanking your legislator for his or her time and giving other information about you or your organization that may be of interest. Invite the legislator to any events involving your organization or the issue that he or she may enjoy, learn from, or otherwise benefit from attending.

10. Provide opportunities for positive publicity.
(Photo opportunities, events, occasions to meet people). Invite your legislator to:

• Your annual meeting
• A public announcement of your season's activities
• Opening night gatherings
• Parades
• Any open houses or other events sponsored by your organization
• Grand openings
• Chamber of commerce or service club meetings

*source: Lobbying and Advocacy Handbook, MN Council of Nonprofits

Program: Department of Mental Health Cut:

$122 Million for 2012-2013

Mental Health already received a cut of 35% in the current budget. Demand for services have increased

significantly over the last several years, in part because of the economy.

OR

Loophole:

Exclusion of the first $1 Million of taxable gross receipts.

Cost:

$426 Million

The first $1 Million of each taxpayer's annual taxable gross receipts are not subject to the commercial activity tax rate. Instead, each taxpayer pays $150 dollars on its first million in annual taxable gross receipts.