Dear Friends,
We want to keep you updated on an urgent issue affecting public media. Last month, the House of Representatives passed a proposal to eliminate already-approved funding for public media. This week, the Senate is expected to begin consideration of that proposal.
What happens next is uncertain. The Senate vote will likely be very close, and there is a chance that changes made by the Senate would require another vote in the House before a final decision is reached. We are watching these developments closely with our partners in Washington.
We ask that you reach out to your senators here in New York. They need to hear directly from you about your support for public media and the importance of protecting funding. Please also be prepared to contact your US representatives in the House if the rescission returns there for an additional vote. That is a possibility!
Either way, Congress has until July 18th! So, your voice matters now more than ever.
We also recognize that many communities are facing enormous challenges right now, including the devastating floods in Texas that have claimed many lives. As we advocate to protect public media funding, we do so with deep empathy for all those affected by this tragedy.
Cuts to public media would be devastating, but your support reminds us why this work is so important. We will continue to keep you informed as the situation unfolds.
Thank you for standing with us and for believing in the power of public media to inform, inspire, and strengthen our communities – especially in times of uncertainty and need.
With gratitude,
Chris Hastings
President & CEO
WXXI Public Media