Dear Friends of the Humanities in Virginia:
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The response to our request for contacts to Virginia's delegates and senators regarding the possible elimination of state funding to the VFH has been inspiring. Many of you have called, emailed, or faxed your legislators to protest this cut and to let them know of the ways in which VFH has contributed to you, your community, and your Commonwealth. For this we say a resounding "Thank you!"
Despite this outpouring, there is still much work to be done before the final chapter of this book is written. Each house has now approved its own budget with the cuts in place, and the Conference committee, which will reconcile the two budgets, has been named. It is very important that the Conferees know how significant continued VFH funding is to you and to your communities and organizations.
PLEASE TAKE THE FOLLOWING STEPS IMMEDIATELY!
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If you haven't contacted your own representatives, please do so now and ask them to let the conferees know of your opposition to the cuts. |
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Email the major daily newspapers in the state to register your alarm. (Richmond Times Dispatch, Virginian Pilot, and Roanoke Times) |
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Post a comment on your Facebook page, blog, or other social networking site, asking that other Virginians contact their legislators as well. |
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Contact the conferees, especially if you happen to be from their districts. At this point, they are working on behalf of the entire state, not just their own jurisdictions. |
Please remember in all your communications that one of the core values of the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities is civil debate of issues. Threats and demands are not appropriate; courtesy and thoughtfulness combined with conviction and concern are the order of the day.
The board and staff of the VFH are very affirmed by the letters of support, so please copy us on your responses. We will continue to keep you informed of the situation.
With the deepest appreciation,
Rob Vaughan
President, Virginia Foundation for the Humanities |
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