Dear Members and Friends of Mended Little Hearts,
On March 17th, 2009 the Congenital Heart Futures Act was introduced in the Senate by Senator Richard Durbin [IL] and in the House by Representative Zach Space [OH]. This bill defines congenital heart disease as a life-long disorder and calls for federal investment in congenital heart disease research and education and the creation of a national congenital heart disease registry. This bill is the first-ever legislation introduced to address the life-long needs of congenital heart patients. Mended Little Hearts, along with the National Congenital Heart Coalition (NCHC) is committed to ensure this Bill becomes law.
You can read the full text of the Congenital Heart Futures Act here.
Progress of the Bill
Like any piece of legislation, the Congenital Heart Futures Act has to get majority support in both the House and Senate in order to be passed into law. The Congenital Heart Futures Act is labeled S.621 in the Senate and HR 1570 in the House. For a current list of Co-Sponsors, please go to www.thomas.gov.
You can make a difference
Our legislators want to hear from their constituents. You can help move the Congenital Heart Futures Act forward by emailing your members of congress and asking them to sign on as a sponsor of this legislation. To find your lawmakers' emails, visit the House of Representatives (www.house.gov) and the Senate (www.senate.gov).
Action is simple
1. Copy the sample email text below to get you started.
2. Personalize the email putting it in “your own words.” It is your story the legislators want to hear.
3. Email your Senators' and Representatives' offices. You can find out who your leaders are at www.senate.gov and www.house.gov. Note: many members of Congress are using automated forms on their websites. Simply complete the form and copy and paste your letter into the comment section.
Remember:
-Include where you live in the first sentence – they want to know that you are a constituent and can vote for them.
-Keep it brief and to the point – often the letter will be filtered through by staff, they won't take time to read a lengthy letter.
-Include what you want them to do, use the words: "Sign on as a co-sponsor of the bill."
After you make your email contact, please let us know by emailing advocacy@mendedlittlehearts.org so we can better follow-up on your accomplishments! When you get a response from your legislator, we encourage you to share that, too!
Spread the Word
Many people are affected by Congenital Heart Defects outside of the patient themselves. Please share this information with friends and family, encouraging them to voice their support.
Lobby Day 2010
Mended Little Hearts is once again partnering with The National Congenital Heart Coalition to make Lobby Day 2010 a reality. We will keep this site updated as more information becomes available.
Little speaks louder than a visit to your member in Washington D.C.!!
Thank you in advance for your time and effort as you advocate for “the littlest heart patients of all.”
Here's a Sample Letter to get you started!
Sincerely,
Amy Basken
National
Advocacy Chairperson
Mended Little Hearts
www.mendedlittlehearts.org
(608) 370-3739
advocacy@mendedlittlehearts.org
"Little hearts hold big hopes."
