FEDERAL ABSTINENCE EDUCATION FUNDING IN DANGER

SEPTEMBER 11, 2007
FEDERAL ABSTINENCE EDUCATION FUNDING IN DANGER/PENNSYLVANIA CONGRESSMEN HOLD KEY VOTES

As Congress begins debate this week after their month long recess, one of the important family issues they will address is funding for Abstinence Education. Congress currently spends $171 million towards abstinence education programs, but more than 10 times that amount in funding for so-called "safe sex"  pregnancy prevention programs that often include condom distribution, the demonstration of how to use condoms, and the discussion and promotion of sexual exploration and experimentation.

There are currently three funding streams for abstinence education under debate for cancellation - Title V, CBAE and Title XX.   As Congressmen return to DC, they need to be reminded by their constituents "back home" to support the continued funding for abstinence education. We know they will most assuredly hear an opposing message in Washington.

We are urging PA voters to please call their Congressmen this week, encouraging them to support the current abstinence education program at their present funding levels and current criteria.

The Following Pennsylvania Congressmen could affect the continued funding of abstinence education and need to be contacted. 

Jason Altmire, (D-PA, 1st District representing parts of Beaver Falls, New Castle, Allegheny Cnty, Westmoreland Cnty. Beaver Cnty.
Aliquippa District Office: 724-378-0928

Chris Carney, (D-PA, 10th District representing parts of Carbondale, Sunbury, Williamsport, Wayne, Shamokin, Bradford County)
Clarks Summit District Office: 570-585-9988

Mike Doyle, (D-PA, 14th District representing parts of Penn Hills, Pittsburgh, McKeesport and Coraopolis)
Pittsburgh District Office: 412-261-5091; Penn Hills District Office: 412-241-6055, McKeesport District Office: 412-664-4049 

Patrick Murphy, (D-PA, 8th District representing parts of Bucks County, a tiny finger of Montgomery County around Willow Grove and parts of two wards in Northeast Philadelphia.)
Doylestown District Office: 215-348-1194

Tim Murphy, (R-PA, 18th District representing parts of Westmoreland County: Allegheny County: Beaver County: Washington Counties)
Pittsburgh District Office: 412-344-5583, Greensburg District Office: 724-850-7312

John Peterson, (R-PA, 5th District representing parts of State College, Titusville, Bradford, Oil City, Dubois, Lock Haven)
State College District Office: 814-238-1776, Titusville District Office:814-827-3985

Joseph Pitts, (R-PA, 16th District representing parts of Lancaster, Chester and Berks Counties)
Lancaster District Office 717-393-0667, Unionville District Office: 610-444-4581

Please call their offices today and tell them you want abstinence education to continue to receive federal funding without any changes to legislative language. Opponents to abstinence education have sent over 75,000 messages to Congress, so it is very important that you weigh in on this important debate for the sake of our children and our families.

Remember - if we lose this opportunity to meet and communicate the value of abstinence to your own Members of Congress, we could lose abstinence funding in the future. This next month is one of the most important opportunities we have.

FOR MORE INFO: To stay abreast of the latest information related to these bills and abstinence education, go to: www.abstinenceassociation.org

Click the link below to log in and send your message:
http://votervoice.net/target.aspx?id=pafi:18261568