Dear RIPIRG member,
If you’re trying to understand politics in Washington, just follow the money.
Insurance agents, Wall Street, and the Oil companies may be using the language of reform. But in the face of our financial collapse, the health care crisis and energy crunch, what else can they say?
Their lobbying expenditures tell a much different story: They are spending lavishly to protect their interests. In the second quarter of 2009, the health, finance and energy industries dramatically outspent all others on lobbying, doling out more than $100 million each.
We’re being outspent, but our advocates in Washington, D.C., are working in the halls of Congress to counter this charge by special interests. And RIPIRG staff are building the case for reform in communities across Rhode Island.
In all likelihood, the fate of health care and financial reform will probably come down to just a few votes, and every bit of research, advocacy and organizing will matter.
Your support gives us a fighting chance, and for that we’re grateful.
Sincerely,
Andre Delattre, for RIPIRG
