October 24, 2003

ALERT:
Appropriations and Minimum Wage Legislation

Message on Appropriations:

As the October 30th deadline for the current continuing resolution (CR) approaches, work has speeded up on remaining appropriations bills. Initial speculation that an "omnibus" spending bill, which would include all remaining appropriations bills, now seems unlikely as the Senate and House are rapidly taking up individual bills. In the interim, on Oct. 21st, the House passed H.J. Res. 73, which continues government funding through Nov. 7th. Work on a longer term CR is in process, with the hopes that any appropriations bills not passed by Nov. 7th, would be attached to an longer term CR. Behind the scenes, committee staffs, including Agriculture and Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations, continue to draft conference agreements in the likelihood that they will have to move quickly to complete funding action.

Action on FY 2004 Ag Appropriations:

Advocates should continue to support overall Senate funding level for WIC at $4.6 billion; support House funding level of $150 million for the WIC contingency fund and $20 million for breastfeeding initiatives; and support Senate proposal of $30 million for WIC management information systems and $5 million for obesity prevention. Support $140 million for commodity purchases and a separate $60 million in full administrative funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). Seek $130 million (rather than the $95 million proposed) to expand the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) (including program expansion into new states).

Action on FY 2004 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations:

Fund the Community Food and Nutrition Program (CFNP) at a minimum of $7.281 million (Senate bill funding level).

Minimum Wage Legislation Activity:

As Congress quickly continues to complete action on pending legislation prior to the upcoming adjournment, advocates are working with Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) on a minimum wage provision which would raise the hourly wage floor from $5.15 to $6.65 in two annual steps, 75 cents immediately after enactment, and an additional 75 cents to take effect one year after bill enactment. While it is unclear when and to which bill sponsors will try to attach this provision, advocates are urged to weigh in with your Senators on the importance of increasing the salaries of the nation's lowest paid workers, which was last approved by Congress seven years ago. For more information on the issue and on targeted Senators, contact Robert Campbell.

Factsheets on Child Nutrition Programs School Breakfast  |  School Lunch  |  Afterschool  |  Summer Food Women, Infants, and Children  |  Child and Adult Care Food Program

Prepared by the Food Research & Action Center, 1875 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20009; 202-986-2200; www.frac.org