HHS Network CA Blog

HHS Network members and allies, please call Democratic Members of Congress today and ask them to oppose the “basic” Balanced Budget Requirement (BBA) – H.J. Res 2. The BBA would require the federal government to balance its budget each year, no matter the circumstances, making it a highly ill-advised way to address the nation’s long-term fiscal problems.

By requiring a balanced budget every year, no matter the state of the economy, the amendment would raise serious risks of tipping weak economies into recession and making recessions longer and deeper, leading to steep job losses.  That’s because the amendment would force policymakers to cut spending just when the economy is weak or already in recession – the exact opposite of what good economic policy would advise

The balanced budget amendment is a recipe for severe cuts that would harshly affect seniors, children, veterans, people with disabilities, public health and safety, environmental protection, and education. It would almost certainly necessitate massive cuts to vital programs including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, veterans’ benefits and lead to even deeper cuts than the House passed budget. You can read more about it in this report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Special Targets: California Representatives Joe Baca (202-225-6161), Adam Schiff (202-225-4176) and Loretta Sanchez (202-225-6676).

Click here to find other Members of Congress

Sample Message: My name is ________ and I’m a constituent calling from_________ to urge you to oppose the “basic” balanced budget requirement (BBA) H.J. Res. 2.  A balanced budget constitutional amendment would damage the economy, not strengthen it. Demanding that policymakers cut spending and/or raise taxes, even when the economy slows, is the opposite of what is needed to stabilize a weak economy and avert recessions.  I’m asking you to oppose this measure.

Thank you for all you do for health and human services!