A debate on federal aid for state budget shortfalls emerged this week, which will have major consequences for state programs that aid families, businesses, and communities. And the Census Bureau is encouraging everyone to fill out their 2020 census form, with a digital action weekend May 1 - 3.
Amplify Values In These Emerging Issues
State Budget Shortfalls
State budgets are in dire shape amid COVID-19 shutdowns across the country. This may force states to change safety net programs that ensure opportunity and greater equity if funding gaps aren't addressed. Federal aid for states became the emerging issue in Congress this week after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell received harsh criticism for suggesting states pursue bankruptcy rather than Federal aid. Michael Leachman of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities writes, "no one knows precisely how this unprecedented crisis will affect the economy, but underestimating its effects would have grave consequences for state budgets and thus for families, businesses, and communities."
Census Digital Action Weekend
As April comes to a close, every address in the country should have received the 2020 Census. Now is a great time to make sure everyone in your community has responded. A fair and accurate count ensures that federal dollars are disbursed where they are needed most. Decisions on social insurance programs like Medicaid and Medicare, and infrastructure programs like Community Development Block Grants are made based on census data. It is essential that this data reflect everyone who lives in our country. Respond today at 2020Census.gov.
Read our language and messaging tips for talking about the census in a manner that is grounded in shared values and equity.
- Messaging and communications tools: The Opportunity Agenda's A Fair and Accurate Count; United We Dream’s Census toolkit; The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights’ The Census Counts; National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights’ petition to call for a suspension of immigration enforcement during the Census
- Hashtags: #CountMeIn; #Census2020; #SaveTheCensus; #WeAllCount; #GetCounted
Upcoming Media Hooks & Events
April 30 - May 7
Below is a list of upcoming communication hooks as well as events that you can use to reach new audiences and inform existing ones. Click on each link for messaging tools and hashtags. Note that many plans are in flux as communities address the coronavirus crisis. Check parter websites for news on how to participate and safely support events remotely.
Events and Cultural Hooks:
- Webinar: Fighting Criminalization in the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond: April 22, 4:15-5:15 p.m. ET
- Creative Change alumni Media Sutra have organized online events to support you to Be Creative to Catalyze Radical Imagination and Center Wellness: April 23 and 30
- Lesbian Day of Visibility: April 26
- Workers' Memorial Day: April 28
- Screening and Panel for COVER/AGE, a short documentary about expanding healthcare for all, including undocumented adults, followed by a panel discussion on healthcare for undocumented communities: April 29, 5:00-6:30 p.m. ET.
- May Day / International Workers' Day: May 1
- 2020 Census Digital Action Weekend: May 1-3
- Ongoing:
- Census 2020
- Second Chance Month: April 1-30
- Medicaid Awareness Month: April 1-30
- Asian-Pacific American (APA) Heritage Month: May 1-31
- Community Action Month: May 1-31
- National Mental Health Month: May 1-31
- Older Americans Month: May 1-31
Historical Anniversaries and Birthdays:
- Folk Singer and Activist Pete Seeger: May 3, 1919
- Civil Rights Activist and Educator Septima Clark: May 3, 1898
- Original 13 Freedom Riders Leave Washington, DC: May 4, 1961
- Artist Keith Haring: May 4, 1958
- Chinese Exclusion Act signed into law: May 6, 1882
