2011 AMCHP and Family Voices National Conference ... - HRSA

2011 AMCHP and Family Voices National Conference: Welcome Plenary and
MacQueen Memorial Lecture
02/13/2011 Omni Shoreham, Washington, D.C.
coincidence that we meet this time of year in Washington This is when the
annual appropriations cycle starts, this is when we get the president's
budget, this is when we need to be working together. The 2011 cut is real.
This cut of some magnitude is going to happen and we need to respond.
That's why we're asking everybody who is able to visit your Congressional
representative in the house or Senate. If you can't do it while you're here
because you can't get over there, use the telephone. Please contact your
representatives while you're in town this week before you leave. Between
now and the end of this week, we are in a crucial days of decision making.
Let Congress know what cuts will do to your program and the people you
work with or the services that you receive. And if they don't hear from
you, it's going to be a lot easier for them to make the wrong decision. We
know we cannot balance the Federal budget on the backs of those who are
most vulnerable. And we all know that we need fiscal restraint. But what
we also know is that penny-wise savings today are pound foolish decisions
for our country's great future. And so we must work together to share our
stories and we must work together to get up on the Hill this week and let
folks know about the impact of these cuts. AMCHP is working hard with
you. Now, let me just say, please notice that I said with you. Not for you.
We cannot do this work for you. We will do this work with you. With us,
with you together. I can promise that together we are going to try to make
a difference. The news of late this last week was encouraging but there is
a lot more to do. And as all of our speakers said, now is the time for
leadership. So please make sure that you are doing what you can to work
with us over the next few days. Stay informed, share information and let
us know how we can help. Leadership and innovation. I can think of no
more fitting a way to respond to these kinds of challenges than with
innovative, impactful solutions and options. And we have quite an
innovator with us to receive our MacQueen award this afternoon. Today's