Your calls, faxes and e-mail messages to key senators in response to NOW's Urgent Action Alert of February 9th (entitled: Funding for Child Care Initiatives Slashed) had a positive effect! Reportedly, members of the Senate who were willing to support a smaller amount -- only $7.5 billion -- for expanded child care services, early education programs and child care tax credits have realize that this is an inadequate amount. They are again talking about funding set at least twice that amount.

Also, Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND) is expected to soon introduce a bill that would peg child care spending at about $14 billion earmarked from revenues produced by a tobacco tax or a settlement with the tobacco industry. Legislation by other senators, including Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Chris Dodd (D-CT) propose to spend $22 billion to $30 billion on child care and early education programs.

The National Organization for Women has not taken any position on a tobacco tax or any proposed settlement with tobacco manufacturers, but does support spending funds from such sources on the critically important areas of childcare and early education programs.

Again, thanks for your quick action. We will keep you informed of further developments in this area.