[NEohioPAL]This time, it's for real: The NPR/PBS petition

[Deborah Frazier]

Thanks, Fred, for posting this.  It's true that this threat was real this
time, but just last week, every voting Democratic Member of the House (196
of them!) voted for partial restoration of funds for public broadcasting to
restore funds, as did 87 Republicans and 1 Independent.

This was a significant victory for supporters of public broadcasting,
though it represents only a partial restoration of funds needed in FY06.
(The newly approved House funding levels are still some $130 million below
current funding levels.)  The House approved no funds for digital
transition, no funds for the renewal of television's satellite
interconnection system, and no funds for public television program support.

While the Senate traditionally has been more supportive, the overall budget
allocation that Senator Specter's (R-PA) subcommittee has for the
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related
Agencies is approximately $1.2 billion less than the comparable House
figure.  We suspect that Senator Specter and his colleagues will face
intense pressures as they balance funds available with program needs.

Senator Specter's subcommittee is scheduled to meet July 12 to make funding
recommendations, with full Senate Appropriations Committee action scheduled
for July 14.
If you wish to voice your opinion, you may contact your Senators.
You will find contact information here:
http://dewine.senate.gov
and
http://voinovich.senate.gov

Deborah Frazier
Assistant General Manager
The WKSU Stations
Phone 330-672-3114
Voicemail 330-672-6258
Fax 330-672-4107
frazier at wksu.org

wksu.org
folkalley.com