Stop the Super Committee's Cuts! Join or Host a "Knit-In" for our Keep Pennsylvania Covered Quilt

As you know, a new Congressional "Super Committee" is charged with reducing the nation's deficit by $1.5 trillion. While some on the committee favor a balanced, responsible approach that includes both revenue increases and spending reductions, others, like our own Senator Pat Toomey, are looking at a cuts-only, "slash and burn" approach that could jeopordize the health and well-being of thousands of seniors, kids and people with disabilities here in PA who rely on Medicare and Medicaid to maintain their health and dignity. 

The Super Committee must vote on its plan by Nov. 23rd, before sending it on to Congress for a vote in late December. That's why we need to act now, before the Super Committee votes--and this time, we've gotten a little creative. 

We wanted a way to demonstrate that the programs the Super Committee is looking to cut are the very ties that bind us together, that make us a strong and decent country. Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security allow our seniors, kids and people with disabilites to live with dignity and security. They employ thousands of health and long-term care workers in PA, and they make sure there is help for our most vulnerable neighbors when they need it. So we're making a quilt to send that message: that we're stronger together, and that we have to Keep Pennsylvania Covered. 

Join in the fun and help us send a powerful message to the Super Committee and Pennsylvania's own Senator Toomey that working families will not tolerate any cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security. 

From Oct. 20th - Nov. 18th, PHAN will organizing "Knit-Ins" and sewing parties across the state to put our quilt together. Each square will deliver a visual or written message on why we need to keep Pennsylvania Covered and protect the health of our families and our neighbors. Some examples:

• "My Grandpa fought in WWII. He sacrificed for our country, Sen. Toomey, don't you sacrifice his health."
• "Cutting Medicaid Kills Jobs."
• "Protect Pennsylvania Seniors."
• "Our Lives Matter. Don't Cut Us Out."

HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP:

Throw a quilting party!

Host a small get-together of 5-10 friends to design your panel with your personal message (or ones that we collect from folks online, if you like). A PHAN staffer will join you to talk about the issues in a little more depth, and help with the logistics. We'll make sure you have everything you need. Email Athena today at aford@pahealthaccess.org about hosting a party between now and November 11th!

Sponsor a square for $10 

Your support helps make actions like these possible.  If you have a message you would like featured in your sponsored patch, just email Athena at aford@pahealthaccess.org.

Send us your message for Senator Toomey by emailing Athena at aford@pahealthaccess.org or signing our virtual quilt.  Feel free to tell a personal story, but please keep your message to 5 sentences or less. Also, be sure to include your street address and phone number in case we have questions.