CRITICAL ISSUES ACTION ARCHIVE

2002 - 2005

Advocacy actions taken by Women of Reform Judaism and recommendations made to Sisterhoods for local, state/provincial, or national advocacy and community service between 2002 and 2005.

December 20, 2005, Judicial Nominations  

WRJ participated in a discussion with organizational leaders from the religious community, which formulated and sent questions on religious liberty to the Senate Judiciary Committee to be addressed during the hearings of Judge Samuel Alito, Jr.

December 16, 2005, Public Education  

WRJ signed on to a coalition letter urging U.S. Representatives to oppose the inclusion of provisions in the FY 2006 Department of Defense Appropriations which would authorize the use of federal taxpayer dollars to pay private school tuition and fees as well as fund private school restart operations.

December 16, 2005, Israel  

WRJ prepared and sent leaders a call for registering and voting in the World Zionist elections with a briefing paper, "Why Is The WZO Vote So Important."

December 14, 2005, Children's Issues  

WRJ urged members to call on their senators and representatives to vote ‘no’ on any budget bill that makes deep cuts in Medicaid, child support, food stamps, foster care, child care, and student loans.

December 7, 2005, Economic and Social Justice  

WRJ alerted members to urge their representatives to oppose more tax cuts, and to call on Congress to oppose the death penalty expansion in the reauthorization of the USA Patriot Act and to support the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization.

December 5, 2005, Genocide in Darfur  

WRJ urged members to call on their senators and representatives to restore funds for African Union troops in Darfur to the Defense Appropriations Conference Report.

November 28, 2005, Hate Crimes  

WRJ signed on to a letter urging the Senate to pass legislation that would permit federal involvement in crimes that occur because of a victim's gender, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

November 8, 2005, Economic Justice 

WRJ urged members to participate in the national call-in week to the House of Representatives to save needed social services.

November 8, 2005, Anti-Semitism  

WRJ called on leaders in the New York metropolitan area to attend a rally to protest the Anti-Semitic pronouncements of the President of Iran.

November 1. 2005, Economic and Social Justice  

WRJ alerted members to urge their senators to oppose the budget reconciliation package which would slash social services and provide tax-cuts that benefit the wealthy, and to oppose the "Marriage Protection Amendment" which would limit marriage only to heterosexual couples.

October 21, 2005, Reproductive Health and Rights  

WRJ informed California leaders about resources on Proposition 73, which would require health care providers to notify parents before performing an abortion.

October 20, 2005, Economic Justice  

WRJ alerted members to call their members of Congress to oppose budget cuts to Medicaid, Food Stamps and other vital services, oppose additional tax cuts, and to inform them that WRJ considers poor families a priority at this time.

October 20, 2005, Economic Justice: Katrina  

WRJ signed a letter to President Bush calling for steps in response to Katrina in housing, employment and training, health care, and business development to help rebuild lives and communities, while complying with federal laws that protect civil rights, worker protections, health, and safety. The letter also called for congressional oversight and investigation of the poor government response to Katrina.

October 20, 2005, Economic Justice: Katrina  

WRJ signed on to a letter to the chairs of the Senate Homeland and Government Affairs Committee, urging an investigation of the administration's post Katrina and post Rita actions to rebuild the businesses, jobs, homes, and lives of the Gulf's citizens.

October 12, 2005, Women's Issues  

WRJ signed on to a coalition letter urging Congress to restore data collection about women workers.

October 12, 2005, Women's Issues  

WRJ signed on to a coalition letter to the Senate in support of the request for $5 million for UNIFEM, the United Nations Women's Development Fund, and the UNIFEM Trust Fund in Support of Actions to Eliminate Violence Against Women.

October 11, 2005, Mental Health 

WRJ signed on to a letter to congressional leadership calling for mental health parity legislation to be passed this year.

September 30, 2005, Israel  

WRJ sent talking points on the World Zionist Congress elections to WRJ and sisterhood leaders.

September 22, 2005, Juvenile Justice  

WRJ signed on to a coalition letter to the Virginia Department of Education endorsing proposed regulations providing for a smooth transition for youth exiting custody to a community educational setting.

September 20, 2005, Reproductive Health and Rights  

WRJ joined an amicus curiae brief in Ayotte v. Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, a case challenging the constitutionality of New Hampshire's parental notification law.

September 14, 2005, Reproductive Health  

Shelley Lindauer, WRJ Executive Director, signed on to a religious leader's statement of support for the Millennium Development Goals and reproductive health

September 13, 2005, Violence Against Women  

WRJ signed on to a letter from faith-based organizations to Congress in support of the Violence Against Women Act.

September 12, 2005, Health Care: Katrina  

WRJ signed on to a letter to the Senate calling for Medicaid coverage for survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

August 18, 2005, Israel  

WRJ circulated the ARZA Election Newsletter on the WZO elections to WRJ leaders and affiliates.

July 22, 2005, Economic Justice  

WRJ signed on to a Faith Reflection on Taxation that reaffirms the assertion that federal budget and tax policies should be viewed through a moral lens, seeking the common good, caring for the poor and vulnerable, and correcting inequalities.

July, 18, 2005, Disabilities  

WRJ signed the Statement of Solidarity on the 15th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

June 28, 2005, Genocide in Darfur  

WRJ endorsed a Call to Action regarding the ongoing genocide in Darfur, Sudan, convened and publicized by the American Jewish World Service.

June 17, 2005, Israel 

WRJ prepared a letter to sisterhood presidents informing them about the upcoming World Zionist Congress elections and recommending a strategy for maximizing participation. The letter was included in the congregational kits distributed by ARZA.

June 16, 2005, Women's Issues: UN  

WRJ endorsed amendments on the Draft Outcome Document for the Millennium +5 Summit submitted by women's organizations.

June 14, 2005, Juvenile Justice  

WRJ signed on to a letter to the chairs of the Senate Appropriations Committee calling for restoration of funding to support state juvenile justice prevention, intervention, and youth accountability programs and an increase in funding for services for at-risk youth.

June 9, 2005, Early Childhood Education  

WRJ signed on to a letter to the Chairs of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions stressing the need to ensure that all early childhood educators have access to affordable, quality higher education in early childhood development.

May 25, 2005, Israel  

WRJ urged members in the NY metro area to participate in the Salute to Israel parade.

May 25, 2005, Reproductive Health 

WRJ signed on to a coalition letter urging members of the House of Representatives to oppose any new money for abstinence-only-until-marriage programs.

May 23, 2005, Early Childhood Education: Civil Rights Protections  

WRJ signed on to a coalition letter urging members of the House of Representatives to oppose any amendment to repeal critical civil rights protections contained in the School Readiness Act and to vote no on final passage if such an amendment is adopted.

May 20, 2005, Genocide in Darfur  

Shelley Lindauer, WRJ Executive Director, signed an open letter to President Bush calling for immediate U.S. action through the UN to strengthen the mandate of the African Union force and to augment its mission with an international intervention force.

May 16 and 18, 2005, Filibuster  

On 5/16 the WRJ Board of Directors adopted a statement calling on the Senate to reject the "nuclear option" to eliminate the filibuster and on 5/18 alerted sisterhood members to urge their Senators to vote no on the nuclear option.

May 18, 2005, Israel  

WRJ signed and contributed to an ad in national edition of The New York Times (Sunday 5/22) expressing support of Prime Minister Sharon's courageous disengagement plan.

May 18, 2005, Reproductive Health and Rights  

WRJ signed on to a coalition letter to the House of Representatives in support of an amendment that would allow for federally funded abortion care at military facilities for victims of rape or incest.

May 17, 2005, Reproductive Rights  

WRJ signed on to a coalition letter the House of Representatives in support of an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would ensure that women stationed overseas are not deprived of their constitutional right to choose.

May 11, 2005, Genocide in Darfur  

WRJ alerted WRJ members to urge their members of Congress to support the Darfur Accountability act of 2005.

May 10, 2005, Genocide in Darfur  

WRJ urged leaders in the Washington metro area to participate in a rally to call for the end of genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan

May 5, 2005, Economic Justice  

WRJ endorsed the June 6 Interfaith Convocation on Hunger, the culmination of a conference: "One Table, Many Voices: A Mobilization to Overcome Poverty and Hunger."

May 4, 2005, Genocide in Darfur 

WRJ alerted leaders in the NY Metro area about a rally in Central Park calling for an end of genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan.

May 3, 2005, Mental Health, Medical Marijuana, Filibuster  

WRJ urged sisterhood leaders to call on their representatives to support the Paul Wellstone Mental Health Equitable Treatment Act of 2005, the States' Rights to Medical Marijuana Act, and urge their senators to oppose efforts to eliminate the filibuster.

May 2, 2005, Economic Justice  

WRJ provided the board of directors with the analysis of the FY 2006 budget by Marian Wright Edelman in which she notes the unjust budget cuts in services for children and the poor.

April 27, 2005, Judicial Issues  

WRJ circulated a report by Rabbi David Saperstein, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, regarding the "Justice Sunday" televised campaign rally for confirmation of the president's conservative judicial nominees in which the senate Majority Leader participated.

April 26, 2005, Israel  

WRJ alerted leaders in the New York Metro area to attend an Israel Independence Day celebratory event.

April 26, 2005, Holocaust  

WRJ e-mailed resources to sisterhoods for submitting information regarding Holocaust victims to the unique and historically important Yad Vashem database.

April 25, 2005, Women's Rights  

WRJ signed on to a letter to Secretary Rice calling for support for senate ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women.

April 25, 2005, Child Care  

WRJ signed on to a Child Care NOW! Coalition letter to the congressional Committee on Appropriations in support of an increase of $1 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant in the FY 2006 appropriations legislation.

April 20, 2005, Reproductive Rights and Health  

WRJ signed on to a list of organizations opposing the "Federal Refusal Clause," which allows any "health care entity" to refuse to perform, provide necessary information about or make referrals for abortions.

April 14, 2005, Economic Justice, Darfur, Immigration  

WRJ called on Sisterhood leaders to urge Congress to: protect American Families by rejecting cuts to social service programs; pass the Darfur Accountability Act of 2005; and vote against legislation which endangers those fleeing from persecution.

April 14, 2005, Health  

WRJ signed on to a letter urging congressional conferees on the budget to maintain the senate position striking all Medicaid cuts to the budget and establishing a process for thoughtful debate.

April 12, 2005, Gay and Lesbian Rights  

WRJ signed a leadership Conference on Civil Rights letter urging senators to oppose the Federal Marriage Amendment that would, in seeking to prevent same-sex marriage, permanently write discrimination into the Constitution.

April 12, 2005, Reproductive Health and Rights  

WRJ signed on to a Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice letter thanking Senators Patty Murray and Hillary Clinton for their leadership in seeking FDA approval of the application for over-the-counter status for emergency contraception.

April 7, 2005, Violence Against Women  

WRJ signed on to a National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women letter to Congress calling for the rapid reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.

April 4, 2005, Reproductive Health  

WRJ signed on in support of the Baucus-Chafee "state flexibility" option for abstinence programs, which would allow a state to use the federal funding for abstinence programs to implement the kind of abstinence-based program it chooses, i.e., abstinence only or one that also includes discussion of the benefits of contraception for pregnancy, HIV and STD prevention.

April 1, 2005, Reproductive Health  

WRJ signed on to a letter to the House/Senate Appropriations Committee urging inclusion of the Title X National Family Planning Program among the committee's funding priorities for FY 2006.

March 31, 2005, Reproductive Health  

WRJ joined with 145 organizations in a letter to Secretary Leavitt and press release to protest the new HHS website for parents which relies on fear to motivate and contains many errors.

March 31, 2005, Separation of Religion and State  

WRJ signed on to a coalition letter asking senators to oppose the Santorum Amendment that would include "charitable choice" provisions in the Social Services Block Grant Program.

March 28, 2005, Juvenile Justice  

WRJ signed on to a letter to the House of Representatives opposing placement of juveniles in the adult criminal system as provided in a gang deterrence bill.

March 23, 2005, Health  

WRJ signed on to letters thanking senators who voted for the Smith - Bingaman bipartisan amendment to strike Medicaid cuts from the Senate Budget Resolution to protect states and vulnerable populations.

March 21, 2005, Reproductive Rights and Health  

WRJ sent an alert to Maryland leaders urging them to call their state senators and delegates in support of the emergency contraception bill.

March 18, 2005, Senate Filibuster  

WRJ signed on to a letter to Majority Leader William H. Frist, MD and Minority Leader Harry Reid urging them to oppose any efforts to eliminate the over 200-year-old filibuster in the United States Senate.

March 10, 2005, Economic Justice  

WRJ signed-on to a letter to Congress, urging that the current commitment to vital services for children and families be maintained in the 2006 budget resolution.

March 7, 2005, Economic Justice  

WRJ called on WRJ leaders to urge their senators to support Senator Kennedy's amendment to increase the minimum wage to $7.25.

March 2, 2005, Economic Justice  

WRJ alerted sisterhoods to call their senators to oppose budget cuts in vital services, such as Medicaid, food stamps and education.

February 23, 2005, Economic Justice  

WRJ signed on to a letter to Congress expressing concern about the proposed Administration budget and calling on Congress to oppose cuts to vital domestic programs and insist on a balanced approach to budget deficit reduction.

February 23, 2005, Israel  

WRJ alerted leaders to the opportunity to participate in Tzvet Mitzvot: Israel Mitzvah Corps, an educational program addressing social justice issues in Israel. It involves study and travel in Israel this summer.

February 22, 2005, Economic Justice  

WRJ signed the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Principles (TANF) document, focusing on reducing poverty, submitted to the House Human Resources Subcommittee.

February 18, 2005, Children's Issues  

WRJ signed a letter to members of Congress, urging rejection of the Administration's budget because of the severe cuts it would make in vital supports for children and families, e.g., the Child Care and Development Block Grant Program.

February 16, 2005, Health   

WRJ signed a letter to congressional budget committee members calling for full funding for domestic and global AIDS programs.

February 16, 2005, Disability Concerns  

WRJ signed a letter of support to Senators Smith and Jeffords for their introduction of legislation that would improve the ability of states to help Temporary Assistance to Needy Families recipients with disabilities to move towards greater independence.

February 16, 2005, Women's Issues  

Shelley Lindauer, WRJ Executive Director, was a signatory to a letter by leaders of women's organizations to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice urging the U.S. government to reaffirm its commitment to the Platform for Action, adopted at the UN Fourth World Conference on Women.

February 11, 2005, Genetic Nondiscrimination  

WRJ wrote to the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, applauding the committee's rapid approval of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act.

February 11, 2005, Economic Justice  

WRJ forwarded a National Women's Law Center alert to the WRJ board on threats in the proposed 2006 budget to vital supports, such as health care, child care, education, and food stamps, for low income women and their families.

February 11, 2005, Mental Health, Juvenile Justice 

WRJ signed on to a letter applauding those in Congress who will introduce the Keeping Families Together Act on February 15th. The legislation would provide grants to states to establish interagency systems of care for children and adolescents with serious mental disorders and eliminate barriers to home and community-based care. It also calls for examination of mental health issues in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.

February 9, 2005, Tsunami Relief: Women's and Children's Issues  

WRJ signed on to a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice urging her support for funding of and guidance to programs to address the specific needs of women and children in areas impacted by the tsunami, including basic reproductive health services and efforts to end gender-based violence.

February 4, 2005, Comprehensive Sexuality Education 

Women of Reform Judaism endorsed the REAL ACT, Responsible Education About Life, to be introduced by Representative Barbara Lee and Senator Frank Lautenberg. This bill provides for medically accurate, age appropriate comprehensive sexuality education.

February 3, 2005, Economic Justice  

WRJ worked with the Interreligious Working Group on Domestic Human Needs to prepare a statement on the budget, calling for national priorities that seek the common good, care for those who are poor and vulnerable and seek economic justice.

February 1, 2005, Health  

WRJ signed on to the Washington Interreligious Staff Community Health Care Working Group letter to the President and Congress, opposing proposals that impose a cap on federal Medicaid spending or eliminate the guarantee to Medicaid coverage for our nation's most vulnerable citizens.

January 28, 2005, Sexuality Education  

WRJ signed on to a multi-organizational letter concurring with Senator Frist's call for review of all federally funded abstinence-only-until-marriage programs. Senator Frist noted this need in response to a report indicating that over 80% of the abstinence-only curricula contain false statements about reproductive health.

January 27, 2005, Health  

Forwarded to WRJ leaders a National Women's Law Center alert on the potential drastic impact of Medicaid cuts on low-income women.

January 25, 2005, Holocaust  

Sent the WRJ board an update on the U.N. General Assembly Special Session commemorating the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps.

January 24, 2005, Reproductive Rights, Judicial Nominations  

Fowarded an issue of RACNews to WRJ leaders on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade and current concerns regarding judicial nominations.

January 21, 2005, Holocaust  

WRJ informed sisterhoods about the UN special session and exhibit commemorating the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps.

January 19, 2005,  Civil Rights 

WRJ signed on to a letter by The Coalition Against Religious Discrimination opposing the Job Training and Improvement Act because it would repeal longstanding civil rights protections designed to protect workers against religious discrimination in federally-funded job training programs.

January 4, 2005, Juvenile Justice  

WRJ signed on to letters to Senator Brownback and Representative Portman, thanking them for including provisions in the Second Chance Act for appropriate after care services for youth released from correctional facilities.

January 4, 2005, Interreligious Programming  

WRJ informed sisterhood leaders about "Open Doors, Open Minds: Synagogues and Churches Studying Together (A Guide for Jewish-Christian Dialogue)" and urged them to participate in the program.

December 29, 2004, Disaster Relief 

WRJ sent sisterhood leaders "A Prayer for the Victims of the Asian Tsunami," for use at meetings, with a second call for donations.
 

December 28, 2004, Health  

WRJ signed on to a letter to President Bush urging him not to cut Medicaid or make changes that would alter the fundamental structure of the program.

December 28, 2004, Disaster Relief  

WRJ alerted sisterhoods to the urgent need to help those impacted by the tragic tsunamis in SE Asia.

December 15, 2004, Sexuality Education   

WRJ signed on to a letter to House and Senate leadership asking for a hearing to investigate the issues raised in the report on abstinence-only-until-marriage programs prepared for Congressman Henry Waxman.
 

December 10, 2004, Genocide in Darfur  

Called on WRJ members in New York City to participate in a candlelight vigil to protest the ongoing genocide in Darfur, Sudan.
 

December 7, 2004, Health 

WRJ signed on to a letter thanking senators who opposed cuts in Medicaid's essential supports and services in the federal budget for their leadership.

December 2, 2004, Genocide in Darfur  

Urged sisterhoods to take advocacy and humanitarian action on behalf of the Darfurian people of Sudan and to participate with their congregations in holding a Weekend of Conscience to raise awareness about the horrific situation in Darfur, and demand that the international community take action to stop the killing, rape and destruction of villages, and to ensure that humanitarian relief reaches all those in need.
 

November 19, 2004, Human Rights  

Shelley Lindauer signed on to a 10th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family Statement by Catholics for a Free Choice calling for "the universal and continued recognition, affirmation and protection of the basic human rights of all" family members.
 

November 9, 2004, Peace in the Middle East

Forwarded an invitation to the WRJ Board of Directors from ARZA and the Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism to participate in a conference call on "The Potential for Peace, The Implications of War."

November 9, 2004, Genocide in Darfur  

Informed sisterhoods about the rapidly deteriorating situation in the Darfur region of Sudan.
 

November 4, 2004, Violence Against Women  

Urged sisterhoods to participate in the 2004 United Nations Development Fund for Women campaign to increase awareness that violence against women is a major factor in the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
 

October 20, 2004, Global Health  

Signed on to a letter to the senate majority leader urging allocation of the full Senate-approved level of funding for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in the FY2005 Appropriations bill.
 

October 19, 2004, Children With Disabilities  

Signed on to a coalition letter to the chairman of the House Subcommittee on Education Reform, urging him to maintain key current law protections for children with disabilities in the final legislation.
 

October 19, 2004, Global HIV/AIDS  

Signed on to a letter urging members of Congress to support the highest funding levels possible for U.S. government programs that address global HIV/AIDS.
 

September 28, 2004,  Violence Against Women 

Signed letter to congressional conferees on the foreign operations bill urging funding for the United Nations Development Fund for Women Trust Fund in Support of Actions to Eliminate Violence Against Women.
 

September 28, 2004, Economic Justice  

Signed on to a letter to the Senate urging a short-term extension for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program that includes only policy changes that would add improvements that address the immediate needs that face low-income families.
 

September 22, 2004, Hate Crimes 

Signed on to a letter to the House of Representatives urging support for inclusion of provisions in the Department of Defense Authorization bill, which would facilitate federal prosecution of hate crimes.
 

September 21, 2004, Public Education 

Signed letter urging the Senate Committee on Appropriations to oppose the funding of a private school voucher program for the District of Columbia as part of the FY05 D.C. Appropriations bill.
 

September 15, 2004, Disaster Relief, World Jewry  

Urged Sisterhoods to contribute to humanitarian aid for displaced persons from the Darfur region of Sudan, hurricane relief in Florida, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger and "The Million Quarters Project" for nutritious meals for Ethiopian Jews.
 

September 9, 2004, Gun Control, Genocide in Darfur  

Updated WRJ leaders about: 1, the need to urge their legislators and the president to reauthorize the Assault Weapons Ban and 2, the Reform Movement press release praising Secretary Powell for declaring the crisis in Sudan "Genocide."  The release called on the Administration to follow words with action to save the lives of the two million Darfurians currently at risk.
 

September 8, 2004, Poverty, Health  

Signed on to a letter from the faith community to Senator Kerry and President Bush urging them to speak out as part of their campaigns for those in poverty and those without health care.

September 7, 2004, Genocide in Darfur  

Urged WRJ leaders in the NY metropolitan area to attend a UNA-USA briefing on the crisis in Sudan.
 

September 3, 2004, Hate Crimes  

Signed on to a letter to the House of Representatives urging support for the Senate provisions in the Department of Defense Authorization bill to extend legal protections to those who are victimized because of their gender, disability or sexual orientation.
 

September 3, 2004, Genocide in Darfur  

Forwarded urgent message from Robert Heller, Chairman, and Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, President of the Union for Reform Judaism, alerting leaders of the need to advocate the end of genocide in the Darfur region and to contribute to efforts for humanitarian relief.
 

August 13, 2004, Mental Health: Criminal Justice  

Signed on to a Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Coalition letter to the House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary, urging support for the mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act which would provide treatment to juveniles and adults with mental illness in contact with the criminal justice system.
 

July 22, 2004, Electoral Process  

Alerted leaders to the need to plan and participate in voter registration and turnout campaigns.
 

July 21, 2004, United Nations: Anti Semitism  

WRJ's UN Task Force prepared and issued a statement and call to action to UN officials and the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations on anti-Semitism, in cooperation with the URJ and World Union Non-Governmental Organization representatives to the UN.
 

July 20, 2004, Genocide in Darfur  

Sent e-mail alert urging leaders in the Washington, DC area to participate in a rally across from the White House calling for international efforts to protect the people of Darfur.
 

July 19, 2004, Genocide in Darfur 

Signed and endorsed a unity statement and call to action to encourage worldwide efforts to: stop the displacement and end the crimes against humanity being committed in Darfur, Sudan; help in relief efforts; promote efforts to rebuild villages and resettle the displaced; and investigate human rights violations and crimes against humanity and insist on accountability.

July 16, 2004, Public Education  

Signed on to a National Coalition for Public Education letter to members of the House of Representatives urging them to oppose the continued funding of a private school voucher program in the FY '05 Appropriations bill.
 

July 15, 2004, Constitutional Separation of Powers 

Signed on to a letter to Congress opposing the "so-called" Marriage Protection Act of 2003, which would eliminate federal court jurisdiction over questions of interpretation of the Defense of Marriage Act, eliminating any role for the federal courts in either enforcement of or challenges to the act.
 

July 14, 2004, Public Education  

Signed on to a letter to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions urging it to oppose a voucher proposal termed "Pell Grants for Kids."

July 12, 2004, Same-sex Marriage, Reproductive Health, Genocide in Darfur  

Alerted Sisterhood leaders to take action on three issues by urging: 1. senators to oppose a constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriages in the U.S.  2. sisterhood women to participate in the July 13th call in day in support of funding for international family planning (see July 9); and 3. government officials to take action to stop ethnic cleansing in the Darfur region of the Sudan.
 

July 9, 2004, Health: Maternal and Child, Family Planning, HIV Prevention  

Co-sponsored "We've Had Enough! Call the White House July 13th For UNFPA" (United Nations Population Fund) and alerted leaders to call the Administration to restore funding to UNFPA, an organization that provides lifesaving maternal and child health, family planning and HIV prevention services worldwide.
 

July 7, 2004, Judicial Nominations  

Shelley Lindauer, WRJ Executive Director, signed an ad hoc coalition letter to the chair and ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee opposing the confirmation of Claude A.  Allen to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit because he has shown lack of regard for science and sound public health policy in pursuing personal ideologies hostile to fundamental rights.
 

July 7, 2004, Judicial Nominations, Economic Justice, Same-Sex Marriage, Medical Marijuana  

Alerted sisterhood leaders to take action on four issues by urging: 1. Senators to oppose the confirmation of Claude A. Allen to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit; 2. Congress to support the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2004; 3. Senators to oppose the anti-Gay Federal Marriage Amendment; and 4. Congress to support the medical use of marijuana.
 

July 6, 2004, Economic Justice  

Signed on to an Interreligious Working Group on Domestic Human Needs letter to Congress calling for strengthening and reauthorizing the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families legislation to lift families out of poverty.
 

July 1, 2004, Mental Health: Juvenile Justice 

Signed on to a letter to Congress expressing strong concern about the high numbers of youth with mental disorders incarcerated in juvenile detention facilities while awaiting access to community mental health services. The letter calls on Congress to enact legislative proposals that will improve access to community mental health services.
 

June 30, 2004, Administrative Appointments 

Urged members of the board to write to President George W. Bush opposing the reappointment of Dr. David Hager to the Food and Drug Administration Advisory Panel on Reproductive Drugs. During his tenure, Dr. Hager has allowed his ideological views, rather than scientific fact, to influence his recommendations to the FDA.
 

June 29, 2004, Same-Sex Marriage  

Helene Waranch, WRJ President, wrote a letter to the full Senate, urging opposition to the Federal Marriage Amendment or any other proposed constitutional amendment that would prevent civil marriage for same sex couples.
 

June 24, 2004, UN: Anti-Semitism  

Distributed the UN press release on the June 21st Department of Public Information Seminar on anti-Semitism to WRJ leaders.
 

June 22, 2004, HIV/AIDS  

Signed on to a letter to Senator Lugar thanking him for his leadership in combating the AIDS pandemic and asking his assistance in ensuring that the health needs of children with HIV/AIDS are not forgotten.
 

June 20, 2004, UN: Anti-Semitism  

Sent Secretary General Kofi Annan's remarks at the UN Dept. of Public Information Seminar on anti-Semitism to WRJ leaders and Sisterhood Presidents. Nine WRJ leaders were among the 600 attendees.
 

June 18, 2004,  Children's Issues 

Signed on to a letter to the Senate calling for support of the House-passed legislation to help the millions of AIDS orphans and vulnerable children.
 

June 16 and 17, 2004, Anti-Semitism  

Alerted leaders in the U.S. and Canada to participate in the "Take Five Call-in Day" by calling their legislators to express concern about the rise in anti-Semitism and to recommend ways to oppose this epidemic.
 

June 16, 2004, Children's Issues  

Signed on to a letter thanking the chairs and ranking members of the relevant House and Senate committees for their efforts in developing the Child Nutrition and WIC (Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children) Reauthorization Act of 2004.
 

June 15, 2004, Children's Issues  

Signed on to a letter to the House and Senate Chairs of Appropriations calling for a significant increase of funding for Head Start and the Child Development Block Grant.
 

May 27, 2004, Separation of Religion and State  

Sent a targeted e-mail alert to leaders in Tennessee to urge the governor to veto charitable choice legislation that would authorize government-funded treatment programs and violate the personal religious rights of those seeking help.
 

May 25, 2004, Environment  

Forwarded an alert, introduced by a discussion about the relationship between WRJ resolutions and advocacy, calling for support of the Senate Climate Stewardship Act.
 

May 21, 2004, Gun Control

Signed on to a letter to the chair of the House Judiciary Committee requesting a hearing on the assault weapons ban and proposals to renew or strengthen the law.
 

May 18, 2004, Domestic and Global Health  

Signed on as an endorsing organization to a coalition letter to the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee urging increased funding for US government HIV/AIDS programs as well as to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
 

May 12, 2004, HIV/AIDS Policy 

Signed on to a letter to the United States Trade Representative urging that the US abandon the pursuit of trade agreements that reduce the ability of countries to provide low-cost quality medicines for their citizens with HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases.
 

May 12, 2004, Juvenile Justice  

Targeted leaders in Virginia, Florida and Illinois to contact representatives from their states on the House committees dealing with appropriations, to urge restoration of proposed cuts in federal juvenile justice programs.
 

May 11, 2004, Civil Rights, Health Care  

Distributed an update on the 50th Anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision of the Supreme Court and in recognition of National Cover the Uninsured Week, urging calls to members of Congress to Cosponsor the Health Care Access Resolution.
 

May 11, 2004, Women's Health  

WRJ sent WRJ leaders an alert from the National Women's Law Center on the "State Women's Health Report Card."

May 11, 2004, Comprehensive Sexuality Education  

WRJ signed on to the Family Life Education Act in support of comprehensive and responsible sexuality education that includes information about both abstinence and contraception.

May 11, 2004, Gender Equity  

WRJ signed on to a letter urging the House Subcommittee on Education Reform to include gender equity provisions in the Perkins Vocational-Technical Education Act.
 

May 10, 2004, Abuse of Iraqi Prisoners, Reproductive Health 

WRJ distributed two Reform Movement press statements: 1. Condemning the abuse of Iraqi prisoners and calling on the U.S. to "ensure that the abuse of prisoners is not tolerated by military leaders .... and that those who are found responsible .... are held fully accountable" and 2. Denouncing the FDA decision to restrict the availability of emergency contraception, despite the FDA Advisory Committee's recommendation to provide access.
 

May 7, 2004, Juvenile Justice  

WRJ signed on to letters to the chairs of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, calling for restoration of funding for state juvenile justice prevention and intervention programs and to increase funding for at-risk-youth.
 

May 5, 2004, Juvenile Justice  

WRJ signed on to letters to Senators Ted Stevens and Judd Gregg of the Senate Appropriation Committee urging restoration of critical funding to support state juvenile justice prevention programs.
 

May 5, 2004,  Gun Control 

WRJ endorsed the May 9th Million Mom March and urged Washington DC leaders to attend the March against violence and in support of gun control.
 

May 5, 2004, Reproductive Rights and Health  

WRJ signed on to a letter to House members, from the public health care community and organizations concerned about women's health, calling for support of Rep. Sanchez' and Sen. Murray's amendment to the defense authorization bill to lift the ban on privately funded abortions at overseas military facilities.
 

April 29, 2004, Genetic Discrimination  

WRJ signed on to an analysis of genetic discrimination legislation using principles outlined by the Coalition for Genetic Fairness and to a letter thanking Senator Hillary Clinton for her New York Times Magazine article, "Now Are We Ready to Talk about Health Care?".
 

April 29, 2004, Comprehensive Sexuality Education  

WRJ called on sisterhood leaders to contact their senators and representatives to urge them to co-sponsor and support the Putting Prevention First Act in support of responsible sexuality education that includes information about both abstinence and contraception.
 

April 29, 2004, Economic Justice 

WRJ signed on to a letter to the Senate Budget Conference urging adoption of a budget that protects social programs serving those in or near poverty.
 

April 28, 2004, Ethiopian Jews  

WRJ sent an alert to sisterhoods urging immediate support to feed impoverished Ethiopian Jews in Ethiopia and encourage religious school participation in the Reform Movement's Million Quarter Project.
 

April 25, 2004, UN: Anti-Semitism  

WRJ signed on to a declaration on anti-Semitism by the non-governmental organizations participating in the upcoming Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Conference in Berlin.
 

April 21, 2004, Juvenile Justice  

WRJ signed on to a Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Coalition letter to Senators Hatch and Feinstein commending deletion of language in the "gang prevention" bill that would have allowed prosecution of more youth generally in federal court and language that would result in more youth being prosecuted as adults in the federal system.
 

April 19, 2004 Juvenile Justice 

WRJ signed on to letter drafted by the Children's Defense Fund opposing language in the "gang prevention" legislation that would result in more youth being prosecuted as adults in the federal system.
 

April, 2004, Violence Against Women 

WRJ signed on to a letter to Congress supporting legislation to prevent abuse of foreign-born women by international marriage brokers and their clients.
 

March 30, 2004, Welfare Reform  

WRJ signed on to a letter supporting an amendment to welfare reauthorization legislation, which would give states flexibility in spending Title V abstinence funds.

March 30, 2004, Social Justice  

WRJ urged its leaders to make social action and justice an integral part of their Seder and holiday preparations and observance, by using the CSA Guide Pesach: A Season for Justice.

March 30, 2004, Religious Discrimination  

WRJ signed on to a Coalition Against Religious Discrimination letter to senators urging them to oppose the Santorum amendment, which inserts government funded religious discrimination in the Social Services Block Grant Program.
 

March 30, 2004, Medicaid  

WRJ signed on to a letter to Senate and House Budget Conference Committee opposing any Medicaid cuts in the fiscal year 2005 budget resolution.
 

March 24, 2004, Breast Cancer Research  

WRJ urged its Board of Directors to contact senators and representatives who had not yet signed on to a "Dear Colleague" letter calling for $150 million for the DOD Peer-Reviewed Breast Cancer Research Program for fiscal year 2005.
 

March 16, 2004, Medicaid  

WRJ signed on to a letter to House of Representatives opposing any Medicaid cuts in the fiscal year 2005 budget resolution.
 

March 10, 2004, Civil Liberties, Economic Justice  

WRJ called on members to urge Congress to protect our civil liberties and to support amendments to protect Medicaid and Earned Income Tax Credit funds.
 

March 5, 2004, Medicaid

WRJ signed on to a letter to the Senate opposing 11 billion dollars in cuts to Medicaid over the next five years, which would cause irreparable harm to the more than 51 million Americans who rely on Medicaid for health care.
 

March 1, 2004, Lesbian/Gay Issues  

WRJ signed on to a Leadership Conference on Civil Rights letter to Congress calling for opposition to the Federal Marriage Amendment. 

February 27, 2004, Interreligious Issues, Reproductive Rights  

WRJ alerted leaders and sisterhoods about resources regarding the film "The Passion of the Christ" and the need to urge Senators to oppose the Unborn Victims of Violence Act.
 

February 13, 2004, Health  

WRJ signed on to a letter thanking Congressman Dingell for sponsoring the FamilyCare Act of 2004, which represents a critical step towards providing health care coverage to uninsured parents, particularly women, and their families.
 

February 10, 2004, Gun Control

WRJ signed on to a letter to the Senate supporting the Gun Show Loophole Closing Act of 2003 to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and other prohibited purchasers.
 

February 10, 2004, Community Services  

WRJ signed on to a letter to the House of Representatives urging support for reauthorization of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) while prohibiting publicly-funded religious discrimination by CSBG participants.

February 3, 2004, Human Rights and Gender Identity  

Shelley Lindauer, WRJ Executive Director, signed on to a statement by faith-based leaders and organizations, circulated by Catholics for a Free Choice, supporting a resolution affirming that "human rights are enjoyed by all, and cannot be denied on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity."

January 30, 2004, Child Care  

WRJ signed on to a National Women's Law Center letter to the Senate calling for support for an amendment to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families reauthorization bill that adds $6 billion in child care over five years

.

January 30, 2004, Violence Against Women  

WRJ signed on to a letter to Congress expressing support for the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act of 2003 to prevent abuse of foreign-born women by international marriage borkers.
 

January 27, 2004, Gun Control  

WRJ signed on to a letter to the Senate urging support for the Gun Show Loophole Closing Act of 2003. This legislation would provide law enforcement with the tools necessary to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and other prohibited purchasers.
 

January 22, 2004, Economic Justice

WRJ signed on to a coalition letter to the Senate, initiated by the Interreligious Working Group on Domestic Human Needs, calling for a reauthorization of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, TANF, program that seeks to reduce poverty by increasing funding for child care, expanding access to education and other measures allowing families to achieve greater economic stability.
 

January 20, 2004,  Reproductive Rights and Health

Shelley Lindauer, WRJ Executive Director, signed on to a letter to President Bush, initiated by a coalition of leaders in the religious community, urging the release of the full appropriation for the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, in the FY 2004 Budget. UNFPA provides life-saving services such as family planning and HIV/AIDS prevention, counseling and services.
 

December 19, 2003, Reproductive Rights and Health  

WRJ alerted sisterhoods about the new name for the April 25th March: March for Women's Lives and the WRJ and Reform Movement programming in Washington, DC during the weekend of the March.
 

December 11, 2003, Poverty 

WRJ alerted sisterhoods to participate in the Commission on Social Action program "Ner Shel Tzedakah" that encourages devoting the 6th night of Chanukah to the study of the problem of poverty.
 

December 8, 2003, Children's Issues 

WRJ signed on to a letter to President Bush, initiated by the USAction Education Fund, requesting full funding for the Century Community Learning Centers program in his FY05 budget.
 

December 5, 2003, Reproductive Rights and Health  

WRJ alerted Sisterhoods to begin organizing for participation in the April 25th, 2004 March for Freedom of Choice.
 

October 16, 2003, Children's Health  

WRJ signed on to an interfaith letter of support to the Medicare conferees for the inclusion of the Immigrant Children's Health Improvement Act provisions in the final Medicare conference report.
 

October 14, 2003, Social Services  

WRJ signed on to letter from the interfaith community to congressional leaders in support of restoring funding to the Social Services Block Grant.
 

October 2, 2003, HIV/AIDS  

WRJ signed on to letter in support of the efforts of the Canadian government to amend its patent act to permit manufacture of generic AIDS medication in Canada for export to Africa.
 

October 1, 2003, Juvenile Justice  

WRJ signed on to a letter to congressional leaders, requesting increased funding for the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Act provisions.
 

September 24, 2003, Judicial Nominations  

WRJ signed on to a letter of opposition to the nomination of Claude Allen to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
 

September 23, 2003, Public Education  

WRJ signed on to National Coalition for Public Education letter urging the Senate to reject the part of the fiscal appropriations for the District of Columbia, which diverts public money to private schools through vouchers.
 

September 16, 2003, Mental Health  

WRJ signed on to letter from the interfaith community calling on the president and congressional leaders for immediate passage of the Senator Paul Wellstone Mental Health Equitable Treatment Act.
 

September 9, 2003, HIV/AIDS  

WRJ signed on to a letter by the Jewish Coalition Responding to HIV/AIDS in Africa, urging Congress to commit to distribute the $3 million of funding that was approved for HIV/AIDS services for the poorest countries, in the spring, of2003.
 

August 29, 2003, Gun Control  

WRJ signed on to letters to Congress calling for renewing and strengthening the assault weapons ban legislation.
 

August 28, 2003, Economic Justice  

WRJ signed on to the Universal Living Wage Endorsement, which would assure a minimum wage sufficient for 40-hour a week workers to afford basic housing.
 

August 28, 2003, Health  

WRJ signed on to Medicare Rights Center letter urging Medicare Conference Committee members to include those eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid under the new Medicare drug benefit.
 

August 6, 2003, Death Penalty  

WRJ alerted leaders in Texas to call upon Governor Perry to urge him to grant a 30-day reprieve for Jose Rivera, whose execution was scheduled for that day. Local WRJ leaders were informed that the reprieve had been granted.
 

August 1, 2003, Juvenile Justice  

WRJ signed on to a Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Coalition letter to the Chairs of the Senate Appropriations Committee requesting additional funding for the Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Act of 2002.
 

July 17, 2003, Health  

WRJ signed on to a letter to Senator Grassley in support of an extension and improvement of the Transitional Medical Assistance (TMA) Program, which provides temporary health care coverage to families that have become ineligible for Medicaid because of earnings, often because they have left welfare for work.
 

July 17, 2003, Public Education  

WRJ signed on to a National Coalition for Public Education (NCPE) letter urging the Senate Appropriations Committee to reject a bill that authorizes the diversion of public money into private schools through vouchers.
 

July 16, 2003, Economic Justice  

WRJ signed on to a letter to the Senate Finance Committee urging an increase in Child Care and Development Block Grant funding over the next five years. The letter also asks Congress not to raise Temporary Assistance for Needy Families work requirements.
 

July 16, 2003, Reproductive Rights and Health  

WRJ contacted district presidents to expand sisterhood involvement with the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC) on the local and state levels to seek to protect women's right to reproductive choice.
 

July 15, 2003, Public Education  

WRJ signed on to a letter urging the Congressional Appropriations Committee to reject legislation that would provide vouchers in the District of Columbia. Vouchers reduce funding for public education.
 

July 9, 2003, Head Start  

Alerted WRJ leaders to call Congress to urge a no vote on the School Readiness Act of 2003, which would permit government-funded faith-based Head Start programs to discriminate in hiring. It would also establish a pilot program allowing eight states to take over Head Start management without requiring that they meet program standards.
 

July 9, 2003, Medicare 

Alerted WRJ leaders to contact congressional Medicare conferees and urge them to oppose excluding low-income beneficiaries from a Medicare drug benefit, privatization, and direct competition between traditional Medicare and the private plans.
 

July 9, 2003, Juvenile Justice  

WRJ signed on to a Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention coalition letter urging the Senate to consider reauthorizing the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), which would protect funding and flexibility for youth employment and youth councils.
 

July 2, 2003, Immigration Issues  

WRJ sent an e-mail alert to leaders, urging them to contact Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge and implore him not to issue regulations barring women like Rodi Alvarado, a Guatemalan women who fled to the U.S. to escape her abusive husband, from filing for asylum on the basis of gender-based persecution.
 

July 2, 2003, Public Education  

WRJ sent an e-mail to leaders, urging them to contact senators and representatives to oppose the DC Parental Choice Incentive Act of 2003, which would institute publicly funded private school vouchers in Washington, D.C., diverting funds from the public schools.
 

June 30, 2003, Public Education  

WRJ alerted leaders, urging them to contact their representatives to oppose school vouchers in DC. The proposed program would funnel taxpayer funds into private schools that discriminate in accepting students based on religion, gender, learning, or physical disabilities.
 

June 30, 2003, Children's Health and the Environment  

WRJ sent a letter to California senators urging support of the Healthy Schools Bill, legislation to remove hazardous pesticides that have been linked to serious diseases and disabilities from California's schools.
 

June 24, 2003, Economic Justice  

WRJ signed on to a Building Opportunities Beyond Welfare Reform coalition letter urging senators to support the TANF Reauthorization Bill, which would assist the women and children originally served by the welfare system.
 

June 18, 2003, Juvenile Justice  

WRJ sent a call to action to Maryland sisterhoods regarding a rally, sponsored by the Maryland Juvenile Justice Coalition, calling for the closure of Cheltenham, a notorious youth prison.
 

June 17, 2003, Civil Rights   

WRJ signed on to a Coalition Against Religious Discrimination (CARD) letter urging Representatives to oppose the School Readiness Act of 2003 because it repeals critical civil rights protections for Head Start teachers and parent volunteers.
 

June 17, 2003, Sexuality Education  

WRJ signed on to a National Coalition to Support Sexuality Education (NCSSE) letter to the Subcommittee on Labor, Health, and Human Services and Education of the House Appropriations Committee, opposing new funding for abstinence-only-until-marriage programs because they undermine contraceptive use.
 

June 16, 2003, Gun Control  

WRJ alerted leaders in New York State to three bills in the state legislature that require gun owners to lock up guns, establish stricter standards for gun dealers and higher penalties for gun traffickers, and require judges in criminal or family court to inquire about possession of firearms by defendants.
 

June 16, 2003, Civil Rights Protections  

WRJ signed on to a coalition letter relating to youth employment issues in the House-passed Workforce Investment Act that allows religious institutions an exemption from existing protections against employment discrimination on the basis of religion.
 

June 13, 2003  

WRJ signed on to a mental health parity letter to President Bush, asking him to renew efforts to help get federal mental health parity legislation signed into law.
 

June 03, 2003  

WRJ alerted leaders to the nomination of Carolyn Kuhl to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.  Sisterhoods were asked to urge senators to oppose the confirmation of this judge whose record indicates that she has aggressively taken anti-choice and other positions detrimental to women's well being.
 

June 03, 2003, Reproductive Rights  

WRJ forwarded the June issue of Reproductive Freedom News to leaders, which contained information regarding the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, an upcoming legislative challenge to women's reproductive rights. It would advance the theory of "fetal personhood" over women's rights.
 

May 27, 2003, Child Nutrition  

WRJ signed on to a National Call to Congress, alongside 2000 organizations, urging Congress and the Administration to provide new federal funding for child nutrition programs.
 

May 14, 2003, Global Health  

WRJ alerted leaders to urge their senators to co-sponsor and support the Lugar-Biden-Kerry AIDS Bill, which includes support for a comprehensive and well-balanced approach to prevention, including abstinence, monogamy, and condom-distribution, provides $1 billion a year for the Global Fund to Combat AIDS, TB and Malaria, and would halve the debt service payments of 26 of the world's poorest nations.
 

May 9, 2003, Economic Justice  

Alerted WRJ leaders to call Congress on Wednesday, May 14 to urge a no vote on tax cuts, which would starve essential services: education, healthcare, environmental protections, Social Security and Medicare. Tax cuts would also increase the already high budget deficits.
 

May 9, 2003, Juvenile Justice  

WRJ signed on to a Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention coalition letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee urging that the committee restore critical funding to support state juvenile justice efforts to reduce crime and delinquency.
 

May 9, 2003, Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention  

WRJ signed on to a Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention coalition letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee urging that the Committee increase funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program to help schools and community-based organizations start, operate and expand programs for children and youth.
 

May 7, 2003, Public Education  

WRJ signed on to a National Coalition for Public Education (NCPE) letter to the House Committee on Government Reform, urging the Committee not to consider vouchers for Washington, DC schools as a viable option.
 

May 6, 2003, Medicaid  

WRJ signed on to a coalition letter to members of the National Governors Association Task Force on Medicaid, urging them to protect and strengthen the Medicaid program as they consider reform proposals.
 

April 25, 2003, Medicaid  

WRJ contacted district presidents to alert sisterhood members of targeted states to call their governors to oppose the federal Administration's proposal to convert Medicaid into a block grant and capping federal funding for the program.
 

April 9, 2003, Israel: Women's Issues 

WRJ issued a joint statement with ARZA/WUNA and the UAHC expressing disappointment with the decision by the Supreme Court of Israel to reject Women of the Wall's petition to hold organized prayer services including Torah reading at the Western Wall.
 

April 8, 2003, Public Education  

WRJ signed on to a coalition letter to urge members of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce to reject any effort to include a voucher proposal as an amendment to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
 

March 27, 2003, Public Education  

WRJ signed on to a coalition letter to urge members of the House Education Reform Subcommittee to reject any effort to include a voucher proposal as an amendment to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
 

March 14, 2003, Economic Justice  

WRJ alerted leaders and members to a Fair Taxes for All call-in day to urge Congress to oppose the Administration's proposed tax cuts because they would require major cuts in the nation's education, health care and social service programs.
 

March 13, 2003, Reproductive Rights  

WRJ circulated an e-mail update, informing leaders and members that the Senate had passed the "Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003" and its implications.
 

March 12, 2003, Reproductive Rights  

WRJ circulated an e-mail alert urging members to contact their senators to vote against the "Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003."

March 12, 2003, Racism  

WRJ signed on to a letter to a manufacturer of racist dolls, which perpetuate stereotyping, urging that the company reconsider their manufacture and marketing.
 

March 11, 2003, Public Education  

WRJ signed on to a letter to the House Education Reform Subcommittee, urging rejection of efforts to fund special education and services for children with disabilities through vouchers or other similar means.
 

March 5, 2003, Higher Education  

WRJ signed on to a letter to the Department of Education calling for strengthening the Higher Education Act to help campus communities become knowledgeable about the scope and seriousness of the problem and provide them with resources and training.
 

February 14, 2003, Economic Justice  

A Co-Chair of the WRJ Washington Task Force represented WRJ at a Children's Defense Fund policy conference. She urged members of Congress to "just say no" to the Bush Administration tax cuts.
 

February 12, 2003, Diversity  

WRJ signed on to an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in Barbara Grutter v. Lee Bollinger, et al., in the interest of a program designed to achieve diversity at the University of Michigan.
 

February 11, 2003, Social Services  

WRJ signed on to a coalition letter asking Congress to restore funding to the Social Services Block Grant to at least its pre-welfare reform level of $2.8 billion as a vehicle for immediate relief for human service budget shortfalls in the 50 states.
 

February 5, 2003, Judicial Nominations  

WRJ sent an e-mail alert to leaders, urging that they call on their senators to oppose the Miguel Estrada nomination to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit because of insufficient information about his views on crucial areas of the law.
 

February 5, 2003, Public Education  

WRJ signed on to a NCPE letter to Congress, urging opposition to the tax subsidy for private and religious school tuition and the voucher demonstration project included in the Administration's budget proposal.
 

January 31, 2003, Youth Programming  

WRJ signed on to a letter urging the Senate Appropriations Committee to approve proposed funding levels for vital youth programs.
 

January 31, 2003, Sexuality Education  

WRJ signed on to a National Coalition to Support Sexuality Education letter to congressional conferees urging opposition to increased funding for the SPRANS abstinence-only-until-marriage program. Abstinence only programs have been shown to undermine contraceptive use.
 

January 30, 2003, Economic Justice  

WRJ signed on to a letter to congressional conferees, urging approval of funding levels proposed in Senate bills and rejection of cuts.
 

January 29, 2003, Economic Justice  

WRJ signed on in support of the Child Poverty Reduction Act.
 

January 28, 2002, Child Nutrition  

WRJ signed on to a National Call to Congress "It's Time to Reinvest in Our Children.
Priorities for Child Nutrition Reauthorization."

January 27, 2003, Stem Cell Research  

The Department on Religious Action distributed the December 2002 WRJ Executive Committee Statement Stem Cells, Gene Therapy and Cloning to WRJ leaders and Sisterhoods, urging study sessions on the issues.
 

January 24, 2003, Juvenile Justice  

WRJ co-signed a national resolution to reduce the number of youth offenders sent to adult criminal court.
 

January 23, 2003, Economic Justice  

WRJ signed on to the Fair Taxes for All coalition's Statement of Principles.
 

January 15, 2003, Religious Discrimination  

WRJ signed on to and supported a press conference by the Coalition Against Religious Discrimination calling for bipartisan opposition to charitable choice initiatives and legislation that would allow for government-funded discrimination.
 

January 10, 2003, Children With Disabilities  

WRJ signed-on to a position paper developed by the National Committee of Parents Organized to Protect the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) calling for protection of guarantees provided by this legislation and opposing possible changes to IDEA school discipline procedures. Sent grass roots alert on this to the WRJ Critical Issues leaders.
 

January 9, 2003, Economic Justice  

WRJ alerted leaders to contact governors and Congress urging support of welfare reauthorization to move Americans from poverty to self-sufficiency.
 

January 6, 2003, Children's Health  

WRJ signed a letter to Congress calling for preserving the nearly $3 billion in expiring federal State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) funds.
 

December 31, 2002, Reproductive Rights  

WRJ alerted leaders to the new website, www.rj.org/roevwade, developed by WRJ and the Commission on Social Action to provide Sisterhoods and congregations with the resources needed to take action or implement programming to increase awareness of the dangers to reproductive rights.
 

December 30, 2002,  Children's Mental Health

WRJ endorsed a position paper of the Children's Behavioral Alliance regarding the positive behavioral support needs of students with significant social, emotional, and/or behavioral difficulties.
 

December 26, 2002, Civil Rights

WRJ signed-on to a Coalition Against Religious Discrimination letter to President Bush, urging him to rescind the 12/12/02 Executive Order which allows religiously-affiliated federal contractors delivering social services to engage in religious discrimination in employment with federal funds.
 

December 20, 2002, Juvenile Justice

WRJ signed on to a Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Coalition letter to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget urging increased investment in community-based juvenile crime prevention efforts that positively engage youngsters and state efforts to reduce crime and delinquency.
 

December 13, 2002, Aging

WRJ endorsed a statement on aging prepared by the "International Federation on Ageing and the NGO Committee on Ageing (New York) on the follow-up to the Second World Assembly on Ageing."

December 9, 2002, Religious Freedom

WRJ endorsed the proposed Nevada Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
 

October 23, 2002, Women's Reproductive Health Care

WRJ sent leaders the statement on appointment of fair-minded qualified individuals to health policy positions.
 

October 22, 2002, Women's Health Care

WRJ issued a statement at a press conference convened by the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice in opposition to religious extremism in women's health care.  The statement indicated that "Individuals in health policy positions must be guided by scientific and medical research, just as those holding important judgeships must be guided by law and constitutional principles."

October 15, 2002, Reproductive Health and Rights

WRJ signed on to a Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice letter to President Bush, expressing concern about the status of the Reproductive Health Drugs advisory Committee at the federal Food and Drug Administration, for which 11 positions need to be filled.
 The letter spoke of grave concern about the possible appointment of W. David Hager, M.
D., the author of As Jesus Cared for Women, because his views are far outside the mainstream of medicine regarding women's reproductive health care.
 

October 10, 2002,  Israel

WRJ sent an e-mail alert to leaders about the Fine Foods From Israel campaign to make Israeli foods readily available for purchase.
 

October 10, 2002, Women's Health

WRJ alerted leaders in the NY metro area about a symposium on Breast Cancer and Fertility.
 

October 8, 2002, Child Care

WRJ signed on to a Child Care Now! coalition letter to Congress calling for a $1 billion per year increase in child care funding on any extension of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and Child Care and Development Block Grant programs.
 

October 2, 2002, Women's Rights World Wide

WRJ sent an alert to District Presidents to ask Sisterhoods, in states in which calls are needed, to urge Senators to support CEDAW, the women's international treaty.
 

September 26, 2002,  Public Education

WRJ signed on to a letter to the House Committee on Appropriations to oppose any amendments to the DC Appropriations bill that would include vouchers or tuition tax credits for private or religious education.
 

September 25, 2002, Juvenile Justice

WRJ signed on to a coalition letter to Senator Leahy, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to express support of his efforts to reauthorize the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act.
 

September 24, 2002, Reproductive Rights, Separation of Religion and State, Health Care, Hate Crimes Prevention

WRJ forwarded a Religious Action Center alert calling for action to urge Representatives to: vote "no" on the Abortion Non-Discrimination Act, allowing any "healthcare entity" to refuse to cover, perform or issue referrals for abortion services; oppose Houses of Worship Political Speech Protection Act, amending the tax code to allow houses of worship to engage in political campaigns; sign the Prescription Drug Bill Discharge Petition to bring the bill to the floor; and to support the hate crimes prevention legislation.
 

September 23, 2002, Human Rights in Sudan

WRJ signed on to a statement by the Jewish Community calling for religious freedom and an end to the violation of human rights in Sudan.
 

September 23, 2002, Gay and Lesbian Rights

WRJ signed on to a letter to be sent by religious organizations to the Senate urging support for bringing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act to the floor.
 

September 20, 2002, Human Rights in Sudan

WRJ alerted its Washington Task Force about a Jewish community event to speak out against human rights violations in Sudan and urging our nation's leaders to help bring an end to Sudan's civil war.
 

September 18, 2002, Israel

WRJ sent an e-mail reminder about Take Five, Call The President for Israel.
 

September 18, 2002, Children's Health

WRJ signed on to a coalition letter urging Senators to support the Children's Health Improvement and Protection Act of 2002 to prevent a devastating cut in the number of children receiving health coverage through the State Children's Health Insurance program.
 

September 17, 2002, Public Education

WRJ signed on to a letter to the House Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on the Constitution, urging the Subcommittee not to use the recent Supreme Court decision (which ruled the Cleveland voucher program constitutional) to endorse bad policy, such as vouchers.
 

September 12, 2002, Comprehensive Sexuality Education

WRJ signed on to a letter by religious organizations to the Senate urging support of comprehensive sexuality education and opposition to abstinence-only-until-marriage programs.
 

September 9, 2002, Juvenile Justice

Alerted WRJ leaders in Florida about town meetings on juvenile justice and delinquency prevention.
 

September, 2002, Women's Rights World Wide

Alerted WRJ leaders in Colorado, Georgia and Illinois about advocacy efforts in behalf of CEDAW, the women's treaty.
 

September 6, 2002, Israel

WRJ alerted leaders about In Search of Peace and Security, a nationwide teach-in to be held on September 29 by the Seeking Peace, Pursuing Justice campaign of the Reform Movement.
 

September 5, 2002, Israel

WRJ alerted members to participate in Take Five: Call The President For Israel.
 

September 5, 2002, Juvenile Justice

WRJ alerted the Washington Task Force about a Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Coalition demonstration to seek closure of a deplorable and unsafe juvenile facility and redirect resources to establish community-based alternatives to incarceration.
 

September 5, 2002, Public Education

WRJ signed on to a National Coalition for Public Education letter urging members of the House of Representatives to oppose the Back to School Education Tax Relief Act of 2002, because it would allocate limited public funds to provide a deduction for expenses incurred by elementary and secondary private, religious and home school education.
 

September 3, 2002, Public Education

WRJ signed on to a National Coalition for Public Education letter to the House of Representatives opposing legislative provisions that would make permanent the Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESA) tax benefits for K-12 private education.
 

August 27, 2002, Sexuality Education

WRJ signed on to a coalition letter opposing any new federal funding for abstinence-only-until-marriage programs under the SPRANS grant. Such programs are dangerous because they have been shown to undermine contraceptive use.
 

August 8, 2002, Women's Health

WRJ forwarded the most recent National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund fact sheet to leaders as part of the ongoing Breast Cancer Awareness campaign.
 

August 8, 2002,  Economic Justice

WRJ urged leaders to contact their Senators to advocate renewing the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Child Care and Development Block Grants with welfare reform that is not punitive and provides work supports.
 

July 30, 2002, Child Care

WRJ signed on to a letter to Senator Dodd in support of The Access to High Quality Child Care Act, expressing appreciation for his leadership on behalf of children.
 

July 25, 2002, Death Penalty/ Reproductive Freedom

WRJ forwarded to leaders parts of the 7/23 Weekly Legislative Update from the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism: 1. An alert to urge Senators and Representatives to support the Innocence Protection Act, which seeks to insure access to DNA testing and competent legal representation for death row inmates; 2. Discussion of House action on the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2002. WRJ amended the RAC update with the information about House passage of this broadly worded bill on 7/24, which would limit the freedom to choose if it becomes law.
 

July 25, 2002, Public Education

WRJ signed on to a National Coalition for Public Education (NCPE) letter opposing the Back to School Education Tax Relief Act of 2002, which would divert public funds to private and religious schools through mechanisms such as tax subsidies and vouchers.
 

July 23, 2002, Women's Rights Worldwide

WRJ forwarded an action alert from the General Federation of Women's Clubs, urging participation in a national phone-in day in support of the UN Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
 

July 16, 2002, Public Education

WRJ signed on to a coalition letter to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce opposing any measure that seeks to impose a private school voucher program on the District of Columbia.
 

July 12, 2002, Women's Rights Worldwide

WRJ urged leaders, in states where a Senator is a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, to call their Senators in support of CEDAW.
 

July 8, 2002, Mental Health Parity

WRJ sent an e-mail alert urging calls to the leadership of the House of Representatives in support of the Mental Health Equitable Treatment Act.
 

July 8, 2002, International Family Planning

WRJ called on leaders to call the White House to urge the President to release funding for the United Nations Population Fund for the international family planning program – as soon as possible.
 

June 24, 2002, Child Care

WRJ signed on to a letter urging the Senate Finance Committee to insure that any child care and welfare bill includes increases in the Child Care and Development Block Grant over five years to respond to the needs of low-income working families.
 

June 20, 2002, Reproductive Rights

WRJ updated leaders about the reintroduction of the so-called "partial-birth abortion" ban in the House of Representatives, part of the ongoing threat to women's right to choose.
 

June 19, 2002, Israel

WRJ urged members to participate in the "Take Five: Call Congress for Israel" advocacy day organized by ONE VOICE a coalition representing a broad spectrum of Jewish women's organizations.
 

June 18, 2002, Youth Sexual Health

WRJ signed on to a coalition letter to the Senate asking for support of comprehensive sexuality education programs.
 

June 18, 2002, Women's Rights Worldwide

WRJ alerted leaders regarding the need for immediate calls to members of the Senate and the Administration in support of CEDAW ratification.
 

June 17, 2002, Israel

WRJ alerted leaders about several avenues of action in support of Israel.
 

June 11, 2002, Death Penalty

WRJ alerted leaders in the Washington DC area about a vigil held for young persons on death row and to organize against pending executions.
 

June 5, 2002, Juvenile Justice

WRJ signed on to a Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Coalition letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee to restore critical funding to support state efforts to reduce crime and delinquency.
 

June 5, 2002, Civil Rights

WRJ sent letter, as part of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, to congressional leaders in support of fully funding the US Commission on Civil Rights for fiscal year 2003.
 

May 30, 2002, Women's Rights Worldwide

WRJ alerted leaders in the Washington area about a briefing on CEDAW.
 

May 30, 2002, Mental Health Parity

WRJ signed on to a mental health coalition letter to congressional leaders opposing scaling back the Mental Health Equitable Treatment Act to just a few severe mental illnesses.
 

May 29, 2002,  Juvenile Justice

WRJ signed on to a Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention letter to congressional Appropriations Committees urging restoration of critical funding to support state juvenile justice efforts to reduce crime and delinquency.
 

May 24, 2002, Women's Rights Worldwide

WRJ sent e-mail alert to leaders urging them to contact the Senate, White House and State Department in support of CEDAW.
 

May 23, 2002, Mental Health Parity

Alerted WRJ leaders in the Washington, DC area about a rally and lobby day in support of the Mental Health Treatment Act.
 

May 21, 2002, Women's Rights Worldwide

WRJ signed letter to President Bush, urging ratification by the United States of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
 

May 20, 2002, Child Care

WRJ alerted leaders about the Cyber Stand for Children, 2002 and about local Stand for Children events, urging participation in both, where possible.
 

May 14, 2002, Mental Heath Parity

WRJ endorsed the Mental Health Equitable Treatment Act.
 

May 14, 2002, Child Care

WRJ signed on to members of the Senate Finance Committee, urging them to support increases in child care funding.
 

May 13, 2002, Child Care

WRJ signed letters, initiated by the Children's Defense Fund, to Senators Dodd and Bingaman thanking them for their introduction of legislation that would help to expand support for investments in quality child care.
 

May 1, 2002, Hunger

WRJ urged Sisterhood members to contribute food for the 10th Annual Food Drive of the National Association of Letter Carriers, where held.
 

May 1, 2002, Hate Crimes Legislation

WRJ signed a letter to Attorney General Ashcroft urging Justice Department support for the Local Law Enforcement Act to enable federal law enforcement officials to assist in investigations of hate crimes that take place on locations other than federal property, which is already covered by law.
 It would also enable the Department of Justice to investigate and assist in prosecutions in which the bias violence occurs because of the victim's sexual orientation, gender or disability.
 

May 2002, Notes for Now

The Department on Religious Action included updates on: the work of the Jewish Coalition Responding to HIV/Aids in Africa; availability of Children's Defense Fund publications on children's issues; the new video produced for the Interfaith Partnership for Children's Health and the Environment by the National religious Partnership for the Environment; the status of the UN Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW); and Sharsheret, a resource for young women living with breast cancer.
 

April 30, 2002,  Children and Environmental Health

The video, "Caring for Children, Caring for Creation: A Conversation About Children's Health and the Environment," with suggestions for its use, was given to District Presidents.
 

April 17, 2002, Israel

Distributed the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations alert to WRJ leaders and Sisterhoods about actions they can take in behalf of Israel following the Israel Solidarity Rally.
 

April 17, 2002,  Reproductive Rights

Alerted WRJ leaders to contact their U.S. Representatives to urge them to vote against the Child Custody Protection Act, which would make it a federal crime to knowingly transport a minor across a state line to obtain an abortion if that minor has not met the requirements for parental involvement in her state.
 

April 16, 2002,  Public Education

WRJ signed-on to a coalition letter to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and the Workforce expressing opposition to tax subsidies for private and religious school tuition.
 

April 10, 2002, Israel

Alerted WRJ leaders about the Israel Relief Fund to help provide relief for the victims and their families, emergency medical equipment and supplies and support for children and the elderly.
 

April 10, 2002, Israel

Alerted Sisterhood leaders in Districts # 3, 4, 5, and 8 about the Israel Solidarity Rally in front of the Capitol on Monday, March 15.
 

April 9, 2002  Public Education

WRJ signed-on to a National Coalition for Public Education letter to the Chairman of the President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education to urge the Commission to reject any effort to fund special education and services for children with disabilities.

April 9, 2002,  Economic Justice

WRJ endorsed the Universal Living Wage Resolution circulated by the Universal Living Wage organization.
 

March 13, 2002, Reproductive Rights and Health

WRJ distributed a press release about a letter co-signed by the President of WRJÕs District # 8 to the Virginia Governor urging him to veto a bill banning so-called "partial-birth" abortion.
 

March 7, 2002, Landmines

WRJ signed-on to a letter circulated by the US Campaign to Ban Landmines urging the President to join the Mine Ban Treaty.
 

March 5, 2002, Campaign Finance Reform, International Ban on Landmines, Energy Legislation

WRJ alerted leaders to several bills needing advocacy calls: contacting Senators to vote in favor of the Shays-Meehan campaign finance reform bill; urging the President and Secretary of State to support the International Mine Ban Treaty; calling Senators to support environmentally responsible legislation.
 

February 28, 2002, Election Reform

WRJ alerted leaders to an NAAP action piece calling for communication with Senators to urge them to support the Martin Luther King, Jr. Equal Protection of Voting Rights Act.
 

February 27, 2002, Civil Rights

WRJ signed-on to a letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the Department to include civil rights protections in the 21st Century Community Learning Center guidance, to insure that the government not provide federal dollars to organizations that discriminate in their after school programs.
 

February 25, 2002, Israel

WRJ alerted it leaders that the World Zionist Congress ballots would be arriving and that they should inform members to vote for the ARZA/WORLD UNION, North America slate by return mail.
 

February 22, 2002, Mental Health Services

WRJ signed-on to a letter circulated by the National Mental Health Association to the chairmen of the House and Senate Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee expressing grave concern about the underfunding or decimation of sound public health prevention programs in the AdministrationÕs budget. It urged making mental health a funding priority for FY 2003.
 

February 22, 2002, Child Care

WRJ signed-on to a letter circulated by the ChildrenÕs Defense Fund urging a $20 billion increase in mandatory Child Care and Development Block Grant funds over five years.
 

February 21, 2002, Israel

Updated WRJ leaders about the historic decision by the Israeli Supreme Court that ordered the State of Israel to recognize as Jews all people who have undergone conversions, including those administered by Reform and Conservative Rabbis.
 

February 21, 2002, Death Penalty

Urged WRJ leaders in Georgia to encourage Sisterhood women to call for commutation of the death penalty to life in prison for a mentally ill juvenile offender due to be imminently executed.
 

February 14, 2002,  Public Education

Alerted WRJ members in the Washington, D.C. area to attend an anti-voucher rally across from the Supreme Court in relation to the Cleveland school voucher program case to be heard on that day.
 

February 7, 2001, Tuition Tax Credits/Vouchers

WRJ signed-on to a National Coalition for Public Education letter opposing the AdministrationÕs budget proposal or any legislation that includes tuition tax credits and vouchers.
 

February 5, 2002, Poverty

WRJ signed-on to a letter to the President and Congress urging that they press international financial institutions to cancel multilateral debt of impoverished countries and reducing the burden of debt payments by impoverished countries.
 

February 4, 2002,  Child Care

Alerted sisterhoods to a Children’s Defense Fund March 4th advocacy effort seeking accessible, quality child care. WRJ endorsed the effort.
 

February 4, 2002, Sexuality Education

WRJ endorsed a statement on Medically Accurate Sexuality Education, circulated by Planned Parenthood of America.
 

January 30, 2002, Campaign Finance Reform, Economic Justice and AIDS

Sent e-mail alert to WRJ leaders urging them to call on: their U.S. Representatives to pass the Shays-Meehan campaign finance reform bill without weakening amendments; Senators to support expanded unemployment insurance and improved health insurance coverage; and Congress to fully fund the global fight against AIDS.
 

January 30, 2002  Employment Non-Discrimination

WRJ wrote to the full Senate in support of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would protect all Americans from workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation.
 

January 29, 2002, Tuition Tax Credits

The National Coalition for Public Education, of which WRJ is a member, issued a press release opposing Tuition Tax Credits as a credible school funding mechanism.
 

January 28, 2002, Poverty Reduction

WRJ signed-on to an interreligious Statement on Poverty Reduction in the Context of Reauthorization of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families.
 

January 25, 2002, Global AIDS

WRJ signed-on to a Stop Global AIDS Campaign letter to Congress and the President, urging that $2.5 billion be provided in fiscal year 2003 to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB, and malaria.
 

January 22, 2002,  Reproductive Health

Alerted leaders to contact President Bush to provide the full funding allocated by Congress for the United Nations Population Fund.
 

January 22, 2002, Gun Violence Prevention

WRJ signed-on to a coalition letter to Senators supporting legislation to close the gun show loophole.
 

January 14, 2002,  School Prayer

WRJ signed-on to a Coalition to Preserve Religious Liberty letter to Congress urging the rejection of a "religious speech" constitutional amendment which would allow students to use the school intercom to lead prayer.
 

January 3, 2002, Health Care

WRJ signed-on to a letter urging President Bush to include funding for the restoration of Medicaid and other health care benefits for legal immigrant children and pregnant women in his FY2003 budget.