Since 1980, RESULTS volunteers have secured billions of dollars in new funding for health, education, and economic opportunity programs worldwide. They have helped pass groundbreaking legislation that will help kids in low-income countries go to school and get life-saving medical treatment. They have mobilized against cuts to vital anti-poverty programs that help millions here in the U.S. put food on the table and get health insurance. They have done it all by building relationships with members of Congress, engaging with the media, and taking their message straight to Capitol Hill.
While many advocates in RESULTS are very disappointed by the election results, we are prepared to continue with our work. That's because RESULTS, which has been around for 44 years, is non-partisan and has been through this before -- many times. We work with both sides of the aisle to get support for policies that are aimed at ending poverty such as the expanded Child Tax Credit, a fully funded SNAP, a Renter's Tax Credit to help low income renters afford their homes.
During the election our work was to make poverty the focus. We will continue to remain focused on it. As election reviewers are pointing out, many people's dominant concern was the economy as they voted. It was felt that although inflation is where it's "supposed to be" that doesn't necessarily translate into being able to afford food or housing. The divide between the super rich and the rest of us is growing; the most dire effect is on those who are most vulnerable.
Our first move after we have regrouped and provided each other with listening and support will be to make appointments with newly elected offices to introduce ourselves and explain why poverty in the U.S. and low income countries abroad is something that we, as constituents, care about. We can show how the programs we care about have made significant impacts in reducing the poverty that makes the lives of people so miserable. We are committed and no matter how hard this next step is, we will continue this fight.
Ginnie Vogts gvogts43@gmail.com
RESULTS www.results.org
